DHL Express intends to operate two of its own Boeing 777 freighters with Central Airlines under a multi-year agreement
Bonn/Chengdu, July 15, 2024: DHL Express, the world’s leading international express service provider, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enter into an agreement with Central Airlines (HLF / I9) for the deployment of two DHL B777 freighters. This is the first time DHL Express has done this with a local Chinese cargo airline.
“The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding is an important milestone for both parties in the process of building a partnership and a further step for DHL Express to fulfill its commitment to long-term development in China and to seek and deepen cooperation with Chinese companies. The partnership with Central Airlines will further strengthen our capacity on intercontinental freight routes from China, while providing Chinese companies with greater convenience and greater efficiency in expanding their businesses globally,” said Dongming Wu, CEO China at DHL Express.
The two DHL B777 freighters that will be delivered for use by Central Airlines will carry a dual livery from DHL and Central Airlines. The B777 is the largest, longest-range and most powerful twin-engine freighter in the world, reducing CO2 emissions by 18 percent compared to the old B747-400 aircraft.
Annie Hou, Chief Executive Officer of Central Airlines, said: “We are very pleased to partner with DHL Express and are full of expectations and trust in the cooperation between both sides. The partnership fits well with our current planning for the deployment of B777 freighters. With the two additional B777s, we will support DHL Express with more capacity and contribute to the development of cross-border e-commerce as well as the promotion of Chinese supply chains and Chinese companies abroad.”
“China is not only the factory of the world, but also a global marketplace and remains the largest shipper on the North American transpacific trade lanes in the DHL Express network, as well as Europe’s largest trading partner. The partnership with Central Airlines is part of our long-term investment in air transport in China to develop new routes, increase route flexibility and optimize our air transport network,” added Travis Cobb, EVP Global Network Operations and Aviation at DHL Express.
DHL Express operates over 300 aircraft across its global network of 220 countries and territories.
Central Airlines operates more than 10 B737F and B777F freighters and has established over 40 domestic and international cargo routes.