E-Commerce motivates DHL Express to buy 14 B777-freighters

Gradual replacement of older aircraft by fuel-efficient and technically reliable freighter type airplanes

E-Commerce motivates DHL Express to buy 14 B777-freighters

At the Farnborough International Airshow on June 16th, DHL Express, the world’s leading international express service provider announced that it has placed an order for 14 Boeing 777 Freighters. This also includes options and purchase rights for 7 additional aircraft. The delivery of the first four planes is expected in 2019.

“The acquisition of the 14 Boeing airplanes reflects a gradual replacement of our older intercontinental fleet. As the most fuel-efficient, most reliable freighter type with the best long-haul range, these aircraft will contribute to our emissions reduction targets and allow us to serve even more markets with non-stop flights. DHL was an early adopter of this type of aircraft for the logistics industry and took delivery of the third B777F produced by Boeing in 2009,” explains Ken Allen, CEO, DHL Express.

Overall, these 14 intercontinental plane replacements are capacity neutral, but operational wise with significant cost, efficiency and reliability benefits. And, while DHL Express in the past has chiefly been leasing aircraft to operate its global network on the routes, the purchase of fully owned freighter aircraft will improve the cost position of the DHL Express division going forward.

Expanding cross-border e-commerce sales will grow to USD 4.48 trillion by 2021, which means a growth of 19.2 per cent per year. DHL’s investment in the 777 Freighters is a direct answer to the growing demand for global express capacity.

These state-of-the-art aircraft will reduce CO2 emissions by 18 per cent versus the aircraft being replaced. DHL Express operates over 260 dedicated aircraft with 17 partner airlines on over 600 daily flights across 220 countries.

www.dpdhl.com

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