DHL beefs up air network with Boeing 777 freighters purchase

Logistics service provider DHL Express has ordered an additional eight new Boeing 777 freighters, marking a further step in the company’s expansion of its intercontinental air network.

First deliveries are scheduled for 2022, according to DHL.

“Although the current health crisis has pushed pause on several areas of life, global trade did not stand still,” said John Pearson, CEO, DHL Express.

Fueled by globalisation, Pearson said digitalisation and the unprecedented demand of customers during the recent peak season, their global e-commerce volume grew by more than 40 percent in Q4.

“With the order of eight new wide body 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,” he said.

Described as the world’s largest and most capable twin-engine freighter, DHL said the Boeing 777 freighters support future growth while providing outstanding reliability. Furthermore, the company also said the aircraft will contribute to the committed sustainability goals due to their fuel efficient technology reducing CO2 emissions by 18 percent compared to the legacy B747-400s.

DHL Express has previously ordered 14 aircraft B777, of which ten have already been delivered. With the 8 additional B77Fs and the four remaining jets from DHL’s original order, the logistics company’s 777F backlog with Boeing is now at 12 jets.

DHL said these timely deliveries ensured that the company could accommodate customer’s unprecedented demand during the peak shipping season last year.

In Boeing’s 2020 World Air Cargo Forecast, significant increase in demand is anticipated for new and converted freighters with a fleet growth of more than 60% over the next 20 years.

This reflects in the growing demand for cross border time definite shipments DHL Express is experiencing. For this reason, both DHL and Boeing agreed options and purchase rights for four additional planes.

DHL Express currently operates over 260 dedicated aircraft with 17 partner airlines, covering over 600 daily flights across 220 countries and territories.

Source: DHL Global press