Ahead of the Christmas peak period, Australia Post has added two additional Airbus A321P2F freighters to its fleet to enable it to handle the expected boom in e-commerce volumes.
Operated in partnership with Qantas, the new freighters will operate between the east coast, Perth, Tasmania and Cairns, carrying around 21,000 parcels each.
The freighters coincide with the release of Australia Post’s latest quarterly Inside Australian Online Shopping Report, revealing Aussies are set to capitalize on the upcoming sales events that kick off the nation’s biggest online retail season.
The report predicts major and discount stores will see the biggest jump in sales across the Black Friday sales period (up 142%), followed by athleisure (an expected 138% increase), fashion accessories (a 133% increase), sporting and outdoor (a 130% uplift) and women’s fashion (up 120%).
According to Mark Davies, Australia Post general manager, premium services and international, the new freighters will deliver increased flexibility and capacity within the fleet, creating a sustainable, long-term solution to meet growing customer demand driven by e-commerce.
“These freighters provide a direct boost to our freighter capacity during our busiest time of year, ensuring we are well placed to manage the increased volume expected across the cyber sales period and Christmas,” Davies explained.
“Last year, we delivered almost 100 million parcels in the lead up to Christmas, and we expect similar volumes this year especially as demand surges during upcoming key sales events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday.”
The new aircraft will reduce the post’s aircraft emissions by producing 34% less carbon emissions per kilogram of cargo and carrying over 70% more parcels than the Boeing B737-300F aircraft they replace. The Boeing freighters took their last flight in August 2024.