US-based cargo airline Atlas Air has started operating its B767 cargo service for DHL Express onNorth America routes as part of its previously announced long-term CMI (Crew, Maintenance and
Insurance) contract.Under the agreement which further broadens the cooperation between the two companies, Atlas Airwill operate five DHL-owned B767-200s on routings to and from DHL’s Cincinnati hub. It has startedwith one aircraft this month and will expand to five aircraft by the third quarter of 2012.
Depending on routes flown, the five DHL-owned B767-200s are expected to generate a total volumeof approximately 130 to 150 block hours per aircraft per month.
The new service further expands Atlas Air’s asset-light CMI service solution, which was launchedin 2010.
“By growing our CMI operations, we continue to diversify our business mix while at the same timestrengthening our long-term relationship with DHL Express,” William J. Flynn, President and ChiefExecutive Officer, Atlas Air Worldwide, said. “Customers like DHL recognise that our technicalexpertise, global scope and scale of operations, and deep industry knowledge can greatly assistthem in their own operations.”
Through its Polar Air Cargo Worldwide subsidiary, Atlas Air provides also time-definite, 747-400freighter network service to DHL, primarily in the trans-Pacific trade lanes.
“Our new 767 service for DHL Express is another milestone event for Atlas. It shows that we areexecuting on the strategies that are central to our business plan, demonstrates growth of ourasset-light CMI business and represents an expansion of our relationship with DHL Express. It alsounderscores our growth into a key new equipment type and is symbolic of where we are taking thecompany, Flynn added.
