DHL Express Buys Eight New Boeing 777 Freighters to Support Rapid Ecommerce Growth

DHL Express is adding eight new Boeing 777 freighters. The investment marks a further step in DHL Express’ expansion of its intercontinental air network to meet customer demand in fast-growing international express shipping markets. The first deliveries are scheduled for 2022.

“Although the current health crisis has pushed pause on several areas of life, global trade did not standstill. Fueled by globalization, digitalization and the unprecedented demand of our customers during the recent peak season, our global ecommerce volume grew by more than 40 percent in Q4. With the order of eight new wide-body freighter aircraft, we underline our conviction that ecommerce is an enduring megatrend.”

John Pearson, CEO at DHL Express

The world’s largest and most capable twin-engine freighter, the B777 supports future growth while providing outstanding reliability. Furthermore, the aircraft contribute to the committed sustainability goals due to their fuel efficient technology reducing CO2 emissions by 18 percent compared to the legacy B747-400s.

“A highly efficient and reliable aviation network is key to our service capabilities enabling future growth. We are committed to providing the highest quality and efficient services to our customers at the fastest possible transit times.  At the same time, we are also committed to reduce our carbon emissions by modernizing our fleet with the most efficient aircraft type that is available in the industry. The Boeing 777 fits well into our intercontinental network and perfectly complements our sustainability goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.”

Travis Cobb EVP Global Network Operations and Aviation at DHL Express

DHL Boeing 777 is The Largest Long-Range Twin Engine Freighter

The 777 Freighter is the world’s largest, longest range and most capable twin-engine freighter with a range of 9,200 km (4,970 nautical miles) and can carry a maximum payload of 102,010 kg (224,900 lbs). It allows DHL Express to make fewer stops and reduce associated landing fees on long-haul routes, resulting in the lowest trip cost of any large freighter.

Preceding the new order announced today, DHL Express had already taken delivery of the first ten new B777F aircraft as part of an original order of 14 aircraft made in 2018. These timely deliveries ensured that DHL could accommodate customer’s unprecedented demand during the peak shipping season last year.

The company operates over 260 dedicated aircraft with 17 partner airlines with over 600 daily flights across 220 countries and territories. In the US, the DHL Express Americas Hub (Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport) is one of three primary global hubs the company operates to connect online merchants to customers around the world.