The Bluetooth tags, which can be retrofitted without additional certification of the ULDs, automatically transmit to airport-based electronic readers. Scanning by hand is therefore no longer necessary.

“The integration of the CORE tracking solution allows us to further increase efficiency through improvements in inventory management on the ground for airline customers,” observed Carsten Hernig, Jettainer’s managing director.

“The fact that the geolocation of our ULD fleet is further improved at the same time is a nice side effect. The decisive factor for us, however, was the possibilities for process improvements on the ground,” he said.

Ian Craig, chief executive of New Zealand-based CORE, the supply chain-related software developer, explained: “Our Bluetooth solution was initially designed as a simple tracking solution for ULD inventories.

“But when we implemented the system at major airlines in 2017, it quickly became clear that the large amount of data and the ability to analyse ULD movements would bring many benefits to airlines and their customers.”

And, in regard to the collaboration with Jettainer, he added: “With the expertise and experience of the leader in ULD management, we will be able to continue to improve our products.”

Jettainer is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lufthansa Cargo. It currently manages a total fleet of approximately 90,000 ULDs for 26 airlines. This includes managing, positioning, maintaining and servicing the containers.