THAI Airways, the flag carrier of Thailand, has appointed Unilode Aviation Solutions as its full-service ULD management provider.
This partnership marks a significant milestone in THAI Airways’ transformation journey, reinforcing the airline’s focus on operational excellence, digital innovation, and long-term sustainability across its global network.
Emerging successfully from its business rehabilitation, THAI Airways is now entering a new phase of growth and modernisation. The airline’s five-year strategic plan focuses on operational excellence, fleet renewal, and digital transformation, aiming to nearly double its fleet to approximately 150 aircraft by 2033 and grow its market share across key international markets.
Working together, Unilode will provide comprehensive ULD management, maintenance, repair, and digital tracking services across THAI’s global network. The partnership will enhance fleet utilization, reduce operational complexity, and improve reliability for THAI’s passenger and cargo operations.
The partnership also aligns closely with THAI Airways’ sustainability ambitions. By sharing assets across Unilode’s global network, fewer ULDs are required to support operations, thereby reducing raw material consumption, minimising waste, and lowering carbon emissions. Centralised repair and refurbishment within Unilode’s network further extends asset lifecycles, supporting circular economy principles and more responsible resource use.
Ross Marino, Chief Executive Officer at Unilode Aviation Solutions, said: “We are delighted and proud to become THAI Airways’ full ULD management service provider. Our partnership will deliver measurable results, improving efficiency, bringing digital transformation, and supporting Thai Airways’ sustainability ambitions.
“This collaboration reflects how Unilode’s continued investment in our people, infrastructure, and technology is strengthening our position as the trusted partner of choice for airlines globally. Pooling and full-service management are increasingly recognised as the smarter, more sustainable way to manage ULDs across the aviation industry.”
Veera-anong Pookgaman, Head of Cargo and Mail Commercial at THAI Airways, added: “Partnering with Unilode is an important step in our transformation strategy. “Their expertise, global network, and digital solutions will help us streamline operations, strengthen reliability, and make tangible progress toward our sustainability goals.
“THAI’s transformation is built on strong governance, innovation, and partnerships like this that enable us to deliver enduring value to our passengers, shareholders, and partners.”
Unilode’s digital platforms and data-driven insights will provide THAI Airways with real-time visibility, improved asset utilisation, and enhanced sustainability reporting across its operations. The partnership is further supported by Unilode’s Operations Control Centre in Bangkok and a global team of over 800 ULD experts, ensuring local responsiveness and customer success at every touchpoint.
Over recent years, Unilode has made significant investments across its global network by strengthening its infrastructure, expanding its MRO footprint, and enhancing its people through advanced training, development, and external education programmes. These initiatives, combined with continuous innovation in digital technology and product development, enable an even broader global network and a larger, more flexible pool of assets that deliver greater efficiency, resilience, and service reliability for all airline partners.
“It is truly a privilege to earn the trust from home carrier, like Thai Airways. With our global operation control centres based in Bangkok, with the largest Task Force and also global ULD specialists across the globe, we fully commit to providing Thai Airways world class ULD management experience across its operations,” Kathanyu Jearachaikul, Vice President Operations Control Centre at Unilode, added.
Unilode’s expanding asset base across an increasing number of airports and regions continues to deliver tangible benefits to its entire customer network — offering improved operational agility, faster turnaround times, and greater access to resources and repair capabilities. These investments underline Unilode’s commitment to long-term growth and customer value creation, reinforcing its position as the global leader in sustainable ULD management.
As airlines worldwide continue to prioritise sustainability and efficiency, ULD pooling and full-service management are rapidly becoming the industry standard. THAI Airways’ partnership with Unilode underscores its leadership in embracing innovative, environmentally responsible solutions that combine operational excellence with long-term sustainability.
Explaining this model, Mohammed Akhlaq, Chief Commercial Officer at Unilode, stated: “The pool now grows to over 200,000 ULDs worldwide — that’s nearly one-fifth of the world’s ULDs. It’s brilliant to see Thai Airways join that pool. Hopefully, through the resilience we provide in the pool — the ups and downs, the peaks and troughs — where you pay for what you use, it also brings great benefits from a sustainability perspective as well.”
