Air cargo/global logistics: AeroLogic embarks on "greener" and "leaner" new enterprise
Patrick Burnson -- Executive Editor -- Logistics Management, 6/25/2009
Leipzig, Germany—The DHL Express and Lufthansa Cargo joint venture, AeroLogic, started operations late last week, signaling one of the industry’s brighter developments.
Amid much worry about declining volumes and slackening demand, a promising new cargo service got underway in Europe–Asia trade lane. With the delivery of its first Boeing 777F aircraft and receiving the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the German Aviation Authority (LBA), AeroLogic is projecting growth of five percent annually “in a mid term perspective.”
The airline will initially serve the express routes Leipzig – Bahrain – Singapore – Delhi – Leipzig on weekdays and the cargo routes Leipzig – Tashkent – Hong Kong – Tashkent – Leipzig on weekends. By 2010, the airline will gradually expand the network to offer new direct connections to most of Asia’s major metropolitan areas.
“In light of an inevitably recovering market, the strengthening of vital trade lanes through the cost-efficient shared use of the most modern freighter aircraft currently available must be viewed as a smart investment,” said Frank Appel, chief executive officer of Deutsche Post DHL.
According to Appel, the service is also using the most efficient air freight capacity in the market, thereby improving the group’s environmental footprint. That particular aspect has been championed by many industry leaders as a key element in any long-term growth strategy.
“The biggest job in resizing and reshaping is our relationship with governments,” said
Giovanni Bisignani, director general and CEO of the Geneva-based International Air Transport Association. “It starts with climate change. Even in a recession, environment is at the top of our agenda.”
AeroLogic will operate with eight leased brand new B777F freighters, the first four of which are expected to be delivered this year. The aircraft is regarded by industry esperts as the most modern wide-body long-range freighter currently available. It has a maximum payload capacity of 103 tons and can fly distances of over one thousand air miles which enables non-stop flights from AeroLogic’s home base Leipzig, Germany, to key Asian growth markets. As a consequence, the running time of shipments is significantly reduced.
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