DHL Express and Singapore Airlines (SIA) have agreed to deploy five Boeing 777 freighters to meet customer demand in international express shipping markets.
The Boeing 777 freighters were chosen for their large size, long range and twin-engine design. The airplanes also release 18% fewer CO2 emissions than B747-400s. Based at Changi Airport in Singapore and serving DHL’s South Asia Hub there, the freighters will sport a dual DHL-SIA livery and will be operated by SIA pilots on routes to the US via points in North Asia. SIA will also oversee the maintenance of these aircraft.
The initial agreement is for more than four years with the opportunity for an extension. The first aircraft delivery will be in July 2022, with the second in October 2022. The remaining three aircraft are planned for delivery throughout 2023.
Travis Cobb, executive vice president of global network operations and aviation at DHL Express, said, “With the deployment of five Boeing 777 freighters, we can expand our express service linking the Asia-Pacific region with the Americas. Following the pandemic, we see good prospects for strong growth in trans-Pacific trade lanes. By collaborating with Singapore Airlines, we see a unique chance to establish a long-lasting relationship with a long-time partner who shares common values and operates at the highest standard.”
Lee Lik Hsin, executive vice president commercial at SIA, added, “Today’s agreement builds on and strengthens the long-standing partnership between SIA and DHL. This new freighter operation will support the fast-growing e-commerce segment, in addition to other key business segments that rely on trusted express services that DHL excels in providing. It also provides a foundation on which the partnership between SIA and DHL can be further expanded in the future. Basing these freighters at Changi Airport will further reinforce Singapore’s position as a key air cargo and e-commerce logistics hub, contributing to its growth and development.”
Ken Lee, CEO of DHL Express Asia-Pacific, commented, “This new agreement guarantees capacity on our critical routes out of Singapore as we gear up for ongoing growth in Asia-Pacific trade. It gives us greater flexibility to add new routes and optimize our aircraft utilization in the face of unpredictable changes or sudden increases in demand.”