Indian aviation logistics is getting a major boost as ACL Airshop and IndiGo, India’s largest airline, announce a strategic partnership for advanced pallet (ULD) management and logistics services. This agreement, effective from August 2025, is set to streamline cargo and passenger operations, introduce cutting-edge tracking technology, and marks ACL Airshop’s official entry into the fast-expanding Indian market.
What the Agreement Covers
Scope: The partnership involves the supply, management, and maintenance of IndiGo’s entire ULD (Unit Load Device) pallet and container fleet. ULDs are essential for securing, transporting, and grouping cargo, mail, and baggage for air transport.
For Cargo & Passengers: The agreement extends beyond cargo—serving both IndiGo’s growing passenger and freight services, integrating seamless logistics solutions across its expansive network.
Fleet Management & Maintenance: ACL Airshop will provide short-term ULD fleet solutions, complete servicing, repairs, and access to its worldwide logistics network, ensuring rapid operational response as IndiGo continues its domestic and international expansion.
Technology & Innovation
Next-Gen Tracking: A highlight of the pact is the rollout of next-generation pallet tracking technology to IndiGo’s ULD fleet, enabling real-time monitoring, better loss prevention, and enhanced operational efficiency.
Digital Integration: The integration of ACL Airshop’s proprietary systems promises not just physical management of cargo but digital oversight—vital for time-sensitive logistics and stringent compliance mandates in modern aviation.
Strategic Significance
For IndiGo
This collaboration supports IndiGo’s aggressive fleet expansion and ambitions across new global routes, including Europe and Asia. The airline currently operates 420 aircraft and serves 127 destinations, with nearly 950 new planes on order.
Cargo operations are a central growth driver for IndiGo. The airline has seen domestic belly cargo account for over 85% of its volumes, with international freight climbing steadily thanks to new widebody and dedicated freighter operations.
According to Mark Sutch, IndiGo’s Chief Commercial Officer for Cargo, ACL Airshop became fully operational within just two months—underscoring the agility and scale of the alliance.
For ACL Airshop
This deal signals ACL Airshop’s formal debut in the Indian subcontinent, positioning it for further growth in one of the world’s most dynamic aviation markets.
ACL Airshop CEO Bernhard Kindelbacher highlighted that the partnership “reinforces our position as a global ULD management services leader,” and sets the stage for supporting IndiGo’s “wherever their growth journey takes them”.
The company’s track record includes successful partnerships with major carriers globally, now bringing its tested expertise to meet India’s logistics transformation.
Industry Impact & Market Trend
India’s air freight market is projected to expand rapidly, with a government-set target of 10 million tonnes of annual cargo throughput by 2030.
Partnerships like this are increasingly crucial as airlines face rising cargo demands, fleet diversification, and higher operational complexity.
Technology-led, full-spectrum logistics services are becoming the norm among leading carriers, with ULD management seen as vital for profitability and sustainability.
Leaders Speak
“The strategic partnership not only reinforces our position as a global ULD management services leader but also allows us to support IndiGo wherever their growth journey takes them,”
— Bernhard Kindelbacher, CEO, ACL Airshop
“As our requirement for ULDs grows, we have partnered with ACL Airshop. They could quickly and efficiently respond to IndiGo's requirements and were fully operational in a short span of just two months.”
— Mark Sutch, Chief Commercial Officer – Cargo, IndiGo
Conclusion
With ACL Airshop and IndiGo joining hands, India’s aviation logistics sector is set for a leap in efficiency, reliability, and tech-driven excellence. The partnership comes at a pivotal time for both companies and marks another milestone in India’s journey toward becoming a global air cargo and passenger powerhouse.
Relevant Sources: Economic Times, The Week:, Cargo Trends, Travel Trends Today, Travel and Tour World, Linkedin, Aviation A2Z, ITLN
