Easley-based ACL Airshop, a global provider of ULD (unit load device, which loads cargo or luggage on aircraft), has agreed to an alliance with New Zealand-based Core Transport Technologies to bring new Bluetooth-enabled logistics technology to the air cargo industry.

The companies cite these expected results of the deal:

· The two companies have proven how the innovative new tracking technology works, in concert with several major airlines. Market roll-out will commence immediately, worldwide, with ACL Airshop's more than 200 airline and cargo customers, and some joint customers.

· Airlines and cargo carriers will benefit from real-time logistics efficiencies on the chronic problem of lost, missing, or under-utilized ULDs. The resulting long-term savings could be substantial, compared to the comparatively minimal cost of the new technology.

· Core is testing ways for this same technology to advance into other aviation channels, for the equipment types that operate at airports and in support of global air transport.

· ACL Airshop already has air cargo leasing, servicing, and repair operations serving 40 of the world's Top 50 cargo hub airports, and has strong capitalization aimed at doubling the network in the next few years.

"This partnership is not only about tracking ACL's 40,000 ULDs, it's also about partnering with a formidable technology company to bring electronic ULD tracking to the airline industry worldwide,” said Wes Tucker, executive vice president of ACL Airshop. “We've been working in unison with CORE for quite a few months in testing and development of this technology and the results are quite impressive. This is the ultimate solution for ULD Equipment tracking available today."

Steve Townes, chairman of ACL Airshop and its parent company Ranger Aerospace, said, "Speaking for our entire team of Ranger Airshop co-owners, we are excited to advance and accelerate this new logistics sophistication for ACL's airline clients, and we are delighted to be partnering with such an excellent teammate as CORE Transport Technologies. We are putting serious muscle behind this innovation, aiming to accelerate it into usage for the many airlines customers who will value the compelling new efficiencies it is designed to deliver for their ULDs."