On 10MAR22, both companies signed an agreement to mutually deploy Boeing 777 freighters. The first Triple Seven all-cargo aircraft resulting from this order has now been delivered to Singapore Airlines. A second B777F will follow in October, with the remaining three scheduled to come in 2023. All jetliners will be operated by SIA crew and be deployed on transpacific routes linking Singapore with the U.S.
The arrival of the first B777F marks a further step in DHL Express' expansion of its intercontinental air network. In addition to growing its own fleet, the integrator is increasingly making
pacts with third party capacity providers to add new routes to its schedule or up frequencies on established trade lanes.–. As recently seen by the deal inked on 29MAR22 between DHL Express and
Canadian carrier, Cargojet. The accord foresees a long-term strategic partnership for at least five years, includes prolongation options, and gives DHL the right of an equity participation in
Cargojet.
Dual-colored aircraft
The strategy of close cooperation in air freight is also reflected in the colors of jointly used freighters at airports or in the sky. Polar Air Cargo's freighters, for example, have a dual
livery, with Polar's blue and white colors displayed on the front fuselage and DHL Express' yellow and red colors on the aft section of the aircraft.
The next candidate to display dual colors on freighters jointly operated with DHL, is Singapore Airlines.
Prior to the arrival of the first Triple Seven freighter, DHL Express APAC chief, Ken Lee, had stated that “this agreement [with SIA Cargo] guarantees capacity on our critical routes out of
Singapore as we gear up for ongoing growth in Asia Pacific trade.” The executive went on to say: “It gives us greater flexibility to add new routes and optimize our aircraft utilization
in the face of unpredictable changes or sudden increases in demand.”
SIA steers flight ops
Both enterprises confirm that SIA pilots will be responsible for operating the five B777F, while the airline’s staff oversees technical and maintenance issues as well as provides ground services.
“With the provision of five Boeing 777 freighters, we can expand our express service between the Asia-Pacific region and the Americas. We see working with Singapore Airlines as a unique
opportunity to build a long-term relationship with a long-standing partner who shares our values and meets the highest quality standards,” said Travis Cobb, EVP Global Network Operations and
Aviation at DHL Express.
Lee Lik Hsin, Executive Vice President Commercial, SIA, said: “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. 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.”
SIA renews freighter fleet
Currently, DHL Express operates more than 320 of its own aircraft in its global network, and partners with airlines that provide additional capacity, such as Cargojet Airways, and Polar Air
Cargo.
SIA Cargo services more than 90 destinations in its existing network and, in addition to its own freighter fleet, also uses the lower deck compartments of SIA and Scoot passenger aircraft. On
16FEB22, SIA finalized a purchase agreement with Airbus for seven A350F freighter aircraft. The order is part of its fleet renewal scheme.
Heiner Siegmund
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