Atlas Air announced last week that it had entered into contract extensions with DHL Express to continue operating 20 freighter aircraft. The continuance of this agreement will support DHL’s rapidly-growing express and e-commerce services with the deployment of Atlas (and subsidiary airline) freighters.
“These agreements build on our successful 13-year partnership. We look forward to continuing to provide DHL Express with critical capacity through our modern, fuel-efficient fleet.” -John W. Dietrich, President and Chief Executive Officer of Atlas Air Worldwide
Continuing their long-standing cooperation, Atlas Air and DHL will continue to work together. Under the agreement, DHL will continue outsourcing a portion of its cargo operations to Atlas Air Worldwide’s subsidiaries, including Polar Air and Southern Air.
Atlas notes that these agreements build on “the long-standing strategic partnership between Atlas Air Worldwide and DHL,” which began in 2008. This includes the acquisition of 49% of Atlas Air Worldwide’s subsidiary, Polar Air Cargo, by DHL. There is also a long-term agreement in place for six dedicated 747-400Fs to operate on key trans-Pacific routes.
The statement from Atlas Air failed to disclose the length of this contract extension. Simple Flying has reached out to the company for further details.
The extended agreements will have Atlas Air continue to operate four different aircraft platforms for DHL Express, including:
- Six Boeing 747-8 freighters
- Two Boeing 747-400 freighters
- Eight Boeing 777-200 freighters
- Four Boeing 767-300 freighters
Rob Hyslop, Executive Vice President Aviation at DHL Express, noted that his company’s continued use of Atlas and its global operating capabilities has enabled DHL’s ability to serve customers and their continued demand for fast international shipping. This has been bolstered by the strong growth of e-commerce.
According to data from Planespotters.net, a number of 747-400Fs and 747-8Fs fly under the DHL brand but are operated by Atlas subsidiary, Polar Air Cargo. Polar Air Cargo operates 767-300Fs as well, while Atlas subsidiary Southern Air is responsible for operating 777Fs for DHL.
