Express delivery firm StarTrack, and parent company Australia Post, will benefit from a dedicated B737-400 service provided by airline operator Qantas, helping to enhance the post’s domestic e-commerce shipping capabilities.
Bob Black, chief operations officer for Australia Post and StarTrack CEO, said “We’re delighted to be able to offer local businesses access to the best-value delivery service in the market; a fully integrated e-commerce and logistics network in the sky and on the ground.
“This new aircraft is the largest type of freighter aircraft operating scheduled services in Australia and gives us greater capacity and flexibility. This is great news for customers, because speed and reliability are critical. In essence, our network on the ground and in the air is a competitive advantage for customers who choose us as their delivery provider.”
“The main aim for us is to help Australian businesses, including those in rural and regional areas, stay strong in a competitive and global market, and this new airplane sets us apart from our competitors.”
The B737-400 freighter is capable of carrying 16,500kg (18.2 tons) of cargo and is part of a dedicated network of six aircraft all branded in StarTrack livery. The air-freighter’s arrival is part of a five-year contract worth more than A$500m (US$373m) for the transport of Australia Post and StarTrack’s range of premium and express products and services until mid-2020. This agreement includes priority access to cargo space in Qantas Group’s passenger fleet.
Gareth Evans, CEO, Qantas International and Freight, said, “This new fleet is about providing Australia Post with the capability it needs to bring Australians a great delivery service and respond to the big changes we’re seeing with the online shopping boom.
“We’re working closely with Australia Post across the full scale the Qantas Group’s international and domestic networks, and it’s exciting to be adding to that with the arrival of our largest dedicated freighter.”
May 31, 2017