Short Shots

DP-DHL takes over UK Mail
Deutsche Post DHL Group announced reaching an accord on the terms of a recommended cash offer to acquire the entire share capital of UK Mail Group plc (UK Mail), one of the largest integrated mail and parcel operators within the UK. The step will open up the doors for DP-DHL    to bring its expertise in e-commerce and parcel delivery together with UK Mail’s existing customer base and network, to drive substantial shareholder value. In a release, DP-DHL emphasize that the acquisition of UK Mail will strengthens the European market position of DHL Parcel, adding a commercial and operational presence, including pick-up and delivery capabilities, in the UK, Europe’s largest e-commerce market.
Juergen Gerdes, Deutsche Post DHL Group Board Member, said: “With this acquisition, we will further extend our network and have a strong foothold in Europe’s three largest e-commerce markets, the UK, Germany and France, which account for over 60% of online retail in the continent.”
DP-DHL Group’s cash offer of GBP 4.40 per share values the entire issued and to be issued ordinary share capital of UK Mail at GBP 242.7 million, which represents a premium of 43.1 per cent over the closing price per UK Mail share on 27 September, 2016. The Directors of UK Mail intend to make a unanimous recommendation that company shareholders accept the offer.
DHL Parcel is the leading parcel delivery company in Germany, Europe’s largest parcel market by volume. It has expanded its cross-border network since 2014 to cover 18 European countries.

Norwegian reduces fuel burn by introducing new containers
The low-cost carrier intends utilizing lighter and stronger baggage containers on its Boeing 787 fleet. The new containers, provided by Zodiac AirCargo Equipment offer increased protection for passengers’ checked luggage on the airline’s long-haul flights. Weighing just 51kg, at least 37% less than traditional containers, the new equipment will help to reduce fuel burn on Norwegian’s 787 Dreamliners, states the airline in a release.
Bjoern Erik Barman-Jensen, Head of Norwegian Cargo commented: “It’s no secret that Norwegian has one of the greenest aircraft fleets in the skies. We have now taken it a step further by investing in new stronger and lighter containers that take weight off our aircraft.” He indicated that this might lower Norwegian’s air fares further: “The new Zodiac Aerospace containers will reduce our fuel bill which means we can continue to pass on additional cost savings to customers.”

Etihad Cargo deepens ties with GSA ACP Worldwide
Following a bidding process, Etihad Cargo appointed ACP as general sales agent for the carrier’s air freight business in Australia and New Zealand. This accounts for flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Auckland and Brisbane to Abu Dhabi and beyond.
Commenting on the ACP appointment, Etihad Cargo Manager Australia & New Zealand Colin Nicholls stated: “Our longstanding partnership with ACP Worldwide has been a key factor in Etihad Cargo’s success in the Australian and New Zealand markets. Together we have been able to provide shippers with swift, reliable movement of their cargo to markets around the world.”
Both companies started their cooperation in 2010.

IAG Cargo and Finnair Cargo share additional capacity
Both carriers have widened their existing capacity sharing accord on flights between Helsinki and London Heathrow. In addition to the existing two weekly services operated with Airbus A350 so far, three more A350 flights will be introduced as of 3 October, thus upping the transport capacity for air freight offered to the market substantially.
Finnair Cargo joined IAG Cargo’s Partner Plus Program in early 2015 to stimulate further growth and to deliver enhanced network connectivity to their clients.

Heiner Siegmund