Lufthansa Cargo has become the launch customer for a new Internet of Things-based ULD tracking solution developed by Jettainer, in a move announced during this week’s IATA World Cargo Symposium in Lima.
Jettainer, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lufthansa Cargo, already manages the airline’s ULD operations, but both companies said the rollout represents a new milestone in their long-standing partnership.
The new tracking system is designed to provide real-time visibility over ULD movements throughout a carrier’s global container network.
Rather than depending only on fixed airport infrastructure, the solution combines stationary and mobile readers, allowing continuous tracking even at stations with limited technical equipment. The result is a significant reduction in operational blind spots.
For Lufthansa Cargo, this means more precise information on the position and dwell time of each ULD, enabling faster responses to irregularities and more data-driven control of the fleet.
The added visibility is expected to reduce search efforts, speed up the recovery of misplaced equipment and strengthen both positioning and operational control, ultimately improving overall efficiency and fleet performance.
Implementation has already begun and the technology will gradually be rolled out across Lufthansa Cargo’s entire ULD fleet.
Oliver von Götz, vice president of global fulfillment management at Lufthansa Cargo, said digital transparency has become a decisive success factor in the air cargo business. He said the partnership with Jettainer will improve visibility, reliability, efficiency and service quality for customers worldwide.
Jettainer chief executive Jan Wilhelm Breithaupt said that managing a ULD fleet of this scale requires maximum transparency, dependable data and intelligent steering. He added that the new solution sets a new benchmark for digital ULD management and strengthens operational control throughout the global network.
Jettainer currently manages more than 100,000 ULDs across 500 locations worldwide for multiple customers.
The announcement comes during a busy period for both companies. Lufthansa Cargo recently reported solid business results for 2025, supported by stable market demand from Europe and Asia. This week also saw Jettainer confirm that Wamos Air had renewed its long-term partnership with the ULD management specialist.
