Order doubles the size of DHL’s global 777 Freighter fleet

International express carrier DHL has announced an order and commitment for 14 Boeing 777 Freighters, with purchase rights for seven additional freighters.

The $4.7 billion order agreement, at current list prices, was unveiled at the opening of the Farnborough International Airshow 2018. DHL was the first express operator to introduce the 777 to perform long-haul time critical services in 2009. The new order will double the size of DHL’s global 777 fleet, allowing the carrier to serve more markets and customers.

Expansion in e-commerce sales leads to growth in demand

The Boeing 777 Freighter is the largest twin-engine cargo aircraft in the world, capable of flying 4,900 nautical miles (9,070 kilometres) with a cargo load of 102 tonnes. Global air freight demand grew by nearly ten per cent last year with demand growth outpacing capacity growth by a factor of three. Expanding cross-border e-commerce sales 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 in response to growing demand for global express capacity.

Charlie Dobbie, Executive President of Global Network Operations & Aviation said: “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.”

Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Kevin McAllister said: “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.”

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