DHL Express to expand cargo capacity by new Boeing 777 order

DHL Express ordered an additional eight new Boeing 777 freighters to expand its international network and to modernize its aircraft fleet.

DHL Express placed an order for eight new Boeing 777 freighters as a part of its intercontinental air network expansion plan to meet the globally growing demand for cargo, read the company’s announcement on January 12, 2021. The DHL Express division of Deutsche Post DHL Group decided to modernize its freighter fleet, as the “global e-commerce volume grew by more than 40 percent” in Q4 2020, according to the company’s chief executive officer (CEO) John Pearson.

“With the order of eight new wide-body freighter aircraft, we underline our conviction that e-commerce is an enduring megatrend. This is why we decided to act early and kick-off 2021 with this investment in our future,” added Pearson.

We have ordered eight additional @Boeing 777 freighters to further modernize our fleet. The #777 has a range of 9,200 kilometers and a maximum payload of 102,010 kilograms. Watch how this magnificent plane is assembled at @BoeingWA. Learn more here: https://t.co/SZB1d8Moha pic.twitter.com/3uE78jKLnx

— DHL Express (@DHLexpress) January 12, 2021

The German international cargo company indicated that the range and payload capabilities of the Boeing 777F will allow DHL to “make fewer stops and reduce associated landing fees on long-haul routes, resulting in the lowest trip cost of any large freighter.”

"We are honored that DHL is placing another major order for the 777 Freighter to grow their business and feed their strong commitment to connecting people and improving lives through sustainable operations“, Ihssane Mounir, Boeing’s Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing was quoted as saying.

According to DHL Express, the recent order comes as an addition to the 14 Boeing 777F cargo aircraft that were ordered in 2018. The German company took delivery of four 777Fs in 2019, while Boeing delivered six Triple Sevens to DHL last year. The remaining four cargo jets should join DHL’s fleet in 2021.

First deliveries of the recently ordered Boeing 777F aircraft are scheduled to commence in 2022.