Silk Way West inks ULD deal with ACL Airshop

Silk Way West Airlines has confirmed a multi-year unit load device (ULD) agreement with ULD management company ACL Airshop, starting next month (November).

The deal extends a long-standing business relationship between the two companies, with ACL Airshop being a service partner with other airline units of Silk Way Holding for almost 10 years.

ACL Airshop recently announced its own worldwide strategic alliance with New Zealand IT company CORE Transport Technologies, and the introduction of Bluetooth innovations for real-time tracking of ULDs.

Emile Khasanshin, vice president global operations for Silk Way West Airlines, said: "Since we pursue a lean and agile business strategy, improved ULD logistics has become one of our strategic focuses, as it directly contributes to the bottom line while substantiating the growth of the top line.

"We were looking for a company that could meet our rigorous cost expectations and flexibility requirements, demonstrate smart usage of the latest technologies as well as customer-oriented business processes.

“These factors along with their substantial expansion plans have cemented our careful decision to stick with ACL Airshop. And we believe the new Bluetooth-enabled ULD tracing technology will be a game changer for us both, and for our end-customers."

Steve Townes, chairman of ACL Airshop, said: "We look forward to continuing our large existing service partnership with Silk Way West Airlines, a successful and rapidly growing global cargo airline."