DHL Express and SmartLynx Malta have signed a new partnership agreement for the introduction of two freshly converted Airbus A321-200 freighters to DHL’s European air fleet.
DHL says the technically advanced narrow-body fleet type will add capacity to meet the increasing demand for express cargo transportation worldwide combined with further improving its unit CO2 emissions by introducing the most fuel-efficient narrow-body aircraft in its class. The companies note that increasing demand for e-commerce shipments, and also protective and medical goods, requires additional air cargo capacity.
“We at DHL pride ourselves as the global industry pioneer when it comes to introducing new generation conversion freighter types to the market” says Geoff Kehr, SVP, global air fleet management, at DHL Express. “Continually modernizing our fleet with the most efficient and reliable cargo aircraft produced is vital to our success. Having led the world with the A330-300P2F development and successful implementation, it is only natural we would follow on by adding the smaller A321 family aircraft to our global freighter fleet”.