CHEP Aerospace manages AirAsia X’s ULDs

   AirAsia X, an affiliate of AirAsia, a Malaysia-based low-cost carrier and one of Asia’s fastest growing airlines, has become the first customer of CHEP Aerospace Solutions in Asia to convert to an all-lightweight container fleet.
   The move to lightweight containers is an increasing trend among many airlines, driven by the need to reduce fuel costs and CO₂ emissions within the aviation industry.
   In specific, AirAsia X will use CHEP’s lightweight composite AKE container for its growing fleet of Airbus 330 planes, and upcoming A350 aircraft. The airline should expect to shave 17 kilograms of weight per container per flight, said David Harman, CHEP Aerospace’s commercial director.
   “CHEP Aerospace Solutions, previously operating as Unitpool, has been our ULD management provider since the launch of AirAsia X in 2007,” said Sathis Manoharen, AirAsia X’s head of cargo. “Our decision to switch to a lightweight composite container is to achieve rapid fuel savings through a transition that we expect will complete in less than six months.”