Logistics group Brambles has launched a new division of its CHEP pallet business to incorporate container repair and maintenance
November 4, 2011
Logistics group Brambles has launched a new division of its CHEP pallet business to incorporate container repair and maintenance.
CHEP Aerospace Solutions will consist of an independent network of pooled containers known as unit load devices (ULDs)
and gallery carts for the in-flight transport of cargo, baggage and mail, plus repair centres.
“The formation of CHEP Aerospace Solutions is part of Brambles’ global strategy of expanding its ULD pooling business, which commenced with the acquisition of Unitpool in August 2010 and JMI Aerospace in June 2011,” the company says.
“The new service brings CHEP’s longstanding global experience in pallet and container pooling across sectors including consumer goods, fresh food, automotive, manufacturing and chemicals, to the aviation sector.”
Brambles
aims to further that expansion with the purchase of specialist pallet repair and maintenance company Driessen Services for 7.5 million euro ($A10.01 million).
Completion of the acquisition remains subject to several conditions, but once completed CHEP Aerospace Solutions will operate 41 service and repair centres
around the world.
It will facilitate CHEP Aerospace Solutions’ management
and service of over 190,000 ULDs and airline galley carts at more than 300 airports globally, making it the world’s largest independent network of pooled ULDs and repair centres.
CHEP Aerospace Solutions will be led by Dr Ludwig Bertsch, who was the founder of Unitpool and has over 20 years management experience in the industry.
Another focus area for the new division will be
tackling energy costs and reducing carbon emissions.
“While fuel costs remain high, and pressure increases to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, many airlines are making the switch to new, lighter-weight containers,” Dr Bertsch says.
Bertsch points to Canadian charter carrier Air Transat, which has recently converted to a lightweight container fleet and is experiencing significant benefits.
These include cost and energy savings: a fleet of five wide-body aircraft flying an average of 12 hours each day can save up to US$170,000 per annum in fuel costs, while also reducing approximately 540 tonnes of carbon dioxide per annum.
“CHEP Aerospace Solutions is encouraging and assisting airlines to also make this transition,” Bertsch says.