Air France/KLM To Replace Aluminum baggage ULD's With Telair Ultralite® Containers

Telair International announced today it is has received a firm order from Air France/KLM to replace its fleet of aluminium LD3 (AKE) ULD baggage containers with Telair Ultralite® LD3 ULD's featuring wall panels made from a lower-weight composite material.

The Ultralite® units will be delivered to KLM and Air France over a maximum period of 36 month fleet replacement program. The contract also includes a repair agreement for all LD3, LD3-45 (AKH) and LD2 (DPE) containers over a 5 year period.

"This order will turn the tide away from what has been ingrained decision making on aluminium ULD's,â€? said Telair President Axel Hauner. "Air France/KLM has done their homework, validated the performance of the Ultralite® through prolonged field testing, and subsequently invested in the hard fact that Ultralite® containers provide substantial weight savings that translates directly into monetary savings in several ways.â€?


An Ultralite® in LD3 configuration is up to 20 kg or greater lighter than a traditional aluminum LD3. Thus a fleet of LD3 Ultralites® allows a carrier to reduce fuel consumption, add more cargo, add more passengers, and/or add customer value through on-board upgrades. Ultralite® containers also substantially reduce maintenance costs and overall lifecycle costs.

"The Ultralite® provides substantial weight savings without any sacrifice in durability,â€? said Hauner. "In fact, the Ultralite provides the best weight to durability ratio of any ULD on the market today.

"The time has come for the Ultralite®. The cost of fuel is generally heading in only one direction... up!â€?

The Ultralite® container combines a high-strength aluminum profile and base with wall panels made of DuPontâ„¢ Kevlar® brand fiber, which is highly resistant to punctures and abnormal use. If necessary, repairs to the composite material can be made in seconds on the tarmac using Telair's easy "Peal and Sealâ€? technology.

The Telair Ultralite® ULD has been independently tested, validated, FAA certified, and is in-service today with several prestigious operators worldwide. Telair Ultralites® are also available in a variety of configurations with either canvas or nylon doors or bi-fold doors.