DHL Express has entered into a Crew and Maintenance agreement (CM) with Singapore Airlines (SIA) to deploy five Boeing 777 freighters. This agreement marks a further step in DHL’s' expansion of its intercontinental air network amidst fast-growing international express shipping markets.
“With the deployment of five Boeing 777 freighters, we can expand our express service linking the Asia Pacific region with the Americas,” says Travis Cobb, executive vice president of global network operations and aviation at DHL. “Following Covid-19, 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,” he adds.
The initial agreement is set for more than four years with the opportunity for an extension. As part of the agreement, 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.
“This new agreement guarantees capacity on our critical routes out of Singapore as we gear up for ongoing growth in Asia Pacific trade,” Ken Lee, CEO of DHL Express Asia Pacific, says. “It gives us greater flexibility to add new routes and optimise our aircraft utilisation in the face of unpredictable changes or sudden increases in demand.”
Moreover, 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, explains Lee Lik Hsin, executive vice president commercial of SIA.
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“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,” he adds.
