DHL Express will continue to invest in cargo planes to build up its global aviation network despitethe economic recession, senior executives told CEP-Research. The capacity growth will be scaled
back somewhat, however, and fewer aircraft are now flying within Europe.Under its global aviation strategy, DHL Express is developing a controlled network ofsubsidiaries and ventures to provide its core intercontinental airlift in addition to theestablished regional operations. AeroLogic, which was officially launched on Friday, will flyEurope-Asia routes, a new fleet of owned B767s will fly transatlantic and minority holding PolarAir Cargo is already operating transpacific routes for DHL Express.
“The strategy is still there,” declared Charlie Dobbie, DHL Express executive vice presidentnetwork operations, in an interview on the sidelines of the AeroLogic launch at Leipzig/HalleAirport. “When you’re making an investment for the long-term, you have short-term ups and downs.”
The order to buy six new B767-300 ERF freighters was still in place, he confirmed. Three ofthe six new B767-300Fs will be delivered from end-September onwards during the second half of thisyear and the remaining three will arrive in 2012. This second batch of freighters was originallyplanned for 2010.
“The choice of the B767s has proven to be a masterstroke,” Dobbie explained. “The aircraftare just the right size. We are extremely happy with them.” The B767-300 freighter has capacity forabout 53 tonnes, according to Boeing information.
Two of the initial three B767Fs will be operated by aviation unit DHL UK out of Britain’sEast Midlands Airport and Leipzig to New York and the new US gateway at Cincinnati, added UlfWeber, senior vice president global aviation intercontinental. The third freighter will be used forthe Europe-Africa service from Leipzig via Brussels to Lagos.
AeroLogic will start commercial operations on June 29 with a new B777F, flying weekdays forDHL Express from Leipzig via Bahrain to Singapore, returning via Delhi. Other destinations in Asiawill be added as three more leased B777Fs join the AeroLogic fleet this year and four more in 2010.Original plans to build up a fleet of 12 planes by 2012, however, have been scaled back.
On the transpacific route between North America and Asia, Polar Air Cargo is currentlyoperating four dedicated B747-400 freighters for DHL Express. Two more B747s currently operatingEurope-Asia flights on an interim basis will return to the transpacific market next year, Webersaid.
Meanwhile, DHL Express has reduced air capacity on its intra-European network. “We havephased out five A300s,” a DHL Express spokesman confirmed. One year ago, DHL Express was operatinga core European fleet of some 35 B757s, 21 A300s and eight B737s as well as smaller cargo planes.
