Boeing and DHL today announced that the leading international express carrier has placed an order and commitment for 14 Boeing 777 Freighters, and purchase rights for 7 additional freighters.
The $4.7 billion order agreement, at current list prices, was unveiled at the opening of the 2018 Farnborough International Airshow. A portion of the order was previously unidentified on Boeing’s Orders & Deliveries website. When the full order is finalized, it will also appear on the website.
“We are delighted to announce the acquisition of 14 new 777 Freighters as we renew part of our long-haul fleet with this best-in-class fuel efficient freighter type that will make a significant step towards DHL’s zero emissions target by 2050,” said Charlie Dobbie, Executive President of Global Network Operations & Aviation.
Kevin McAllister CEO Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Ihssane Mounir, VP Sales & Marketing The Boeing Company, Dan Abraham, VP Sales Europe Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Ken Allen, CEO DHL Express, Charlie Dobbie, COO DHL Express, Mike Parra, CEO DHL Express Americas
“The acquisition of the 14 Boeing airplanes reflects a gradual replacement of our older intercontinental fleet. As the most fuel-efficient, most reliable freighter type with the best long-haul range, these aircraft will contribute to our emissions reduction targets and allow us to serve even more markets with non-stop flights. DHL was an early adopter of this type of aircraft for the logistics industry and took delivery of the 3rd B777F produced by Boeing in 2009. With extensive experience operating this freighter type, it has proven to be superior in all aspects of operation making it a logical choice,” explains Ken Allen, CEO, DHL Express.
Overall, these 14 intercontinental plane replacements are capacity neutral, but operational wise with significant cost, efficiency and reliability benefits. And, while DHL Express in the past has chiefly been leasing aircraft to operate its global network on the routes, the purchase of fully owned freighter aircraft will improve the cost position of the DHL Express division going forward.
DHL was the first express operator in 2009 to introduce the 777 to perform long-haul time critical services. The aircraft type has proven to be the most reliable large freighter connecting the major markets across the globe, bolstering service quality for DHL’s express customers. The new order will double the size of DHL’s global 777 fleet, allowing more markets and customers to benefit from the uniquely capable aircraft.
“The 777 Freighter is an airplane perfectly suited to DHL’s needs, offering an outstanding payload capability, with incredible range to service its extensive intercontinental network and unmatched reliability,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President & CEO Kevin McAllister.
Global air freight demand grew by nearly ten percent last year with demand growth outpacing capacity growth by a factor of three. Expanding cross-border e-commerce sales for instance will grow to $4.48 trillion by 2021, which means a growth of 19.2 per cent per year. DHL’s investment in the 777 Freighters is a direct answer to the growing demand for global express capacity.
As the largest twin-engine cargo airplane in the world, the Boeing 777 Freighter is capable of flying 4,900 nautical miles (9,070 kilometers) with a cargo load of 102 tons.