The Express Division of Deutsche Post, DHL has announced that they have ordered eight additional Boeing 777 Freighters and secured options for four more of the highly efficient aircraft.
On Tuesday (January 12, 2021), Deutsche Post Express Division, DHL, announced the purchase of eight additional Boeing 777 Freighters with options to acquire four more. The highly efficient widebody freighters will add critical capacity in cross border time-sensitive shipments and align with the company’s ‘Strategy 2025’ fleet modernization and sustainability goals. DHL expects to receive the first of their newly ordered 777 Freighters in 2022. The Boeing 777F is the world’s most capable twin engine aircraft, offering unmatched reliability and an 18 percent reduction in CO2 emissions compared to DHL’s legacy 747-400s. In Tuesday’s announcement, DHL Express CEO, John Pearson, said,
“Although the current health crisis has pushed pause on several areas of life, global trade did not stand still. Fueled by globalization, digitalization and the unprecedented demand of our customers during the recent peak season, our 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.”
Also commenting on the new 777F order, DHL Express EVP Global Network Operations and Aviation, Travis Cobb, added,
“A highly efficient and reliable aviation network is key to our service capabilities enabling future growth. We are committed to providing the highest quality and efficient services to our customers at the fastest possible transit times. At the same time, we are also committed to reduce our carbon emissions by modernizing our fleet with the most efficient aircraft type that is available in the industry. The Boeing 777 fits well into our intercontinental network and perfectly complements our sustainability goal to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.”
The Boeing 777F is the largest and longest range twin-engine freighter in the world with a range of 9,200 km (4,970 nautical miles). The aircraft can carry a maximum payload of 102,010 kg (224,900 lbs), allowing DHL to make fewer stops on long-haul flights, reducing landing fees and delivering the lowest cost of any large freighter. Further commenting on the new order, The Boeing Company’s Commercial Sales & Marketing Senior Vice President, Ihssane Mounir, stated,
“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. We are honored 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.”
Before today’s announcement, DHL has already taken delivery of 10 out of 14 Boeing 777Fs ordered in 2018. Boeing’s 2020 World Air Cargo Forecast predicts an increase in demand for new and converted freighters by 60 percent over the nest 20 years. DHL operates over 260 dedicated freighter aircraft with 17 partner airlines with more than 600 flights daily across 220 countries and territories.
Source: DHL Express