DHL Express and Boeing announced on Thursday that the global logistics company placed an order for an additional eight new Boeing 777 freighters.
“Although the current health crisis has pushed pause on several areas of life, global trade did not stand still,” said John Pearson, DHL Express chief executive. “Fueled by globalisation, digitalisation, and the unprecedented demand of our customers during the recent peak season, our global e-commerce volume grew by more than 40 per cent in Q4.
“With the order of eight new widebody freighter aircraft, we underline our conviction that e-commerce is an enduring megatrend. This is why we decided to act early and kick-off 2021 with this investment in our future.”
The 777 Freighter is the world’s largest and longest range twin-engine freighter with a range of 4,970 nautical miles (9,200 kilometres) and can carry a maximum payload of 102,010 kilograms. It allows DHL Express to make fewer stops and reduce associated landing fees on long-haul routes, resulting in the lowest trip cost of any large freighter.
“DHL operates a powerful, international network that has taken great advantage of the 777 Freighter’s world-class range and efficiency for more than a decade,” said Ihssane Mounir, commercial sales and marketing senior vice president of The Boeing Company.
“We are honoured that DHL is placing another major order for the 777 Freighter to grow their business and feed their strong commitment to connecting people and improving lives through sustainable operations. This is especially true today given the critical role DHL plays in distributing COVID-19 vaccines and meeting the increased demand for express cargo.”
Preceding the new order announced today, DHL Express had already taken delivery of the first ten new B777F aircraft as part of an original order of 14 aircraft made in 2018.
Boeing’s 2020 World Air Cargo Forecast anticipates a significant increase in demand for new and converted freighters with a fleet growth of more than 60 per cent over the next 20 years. This reflects in the growing demand for cross border time-definite shipments DHL Express is experiencing. For these reasons both companies also agreed on options and purchase rights for four additional planes.
Article courtesy of airlinerwatch.com
