Atlas Air, a member of Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, recently announced the signing of a renewal agreement with DHL Express to continue operating 20 freighter aircraft to meet the growing demand for logistics services worldwide.
The two companies have been working together since 2008, in what they consider a strategic partnership since DHL acquired a 49% stake in one of the holding company’s subsidiaries, Polar Air Cargo. They also have a long-term agreement for the joint operation of six Boeing 747-400Fs dedicated to operating key transpacific routes for the companies.
According to a statement from Atlas Air, following the signing of the contract, the company will continue to operate four models of freighter aircraft for DHL Express:
- Six Boeing 747-8
- Two Boeing 747-400
- Eight Boeing 777-200
- Four Boeing 767-300
According to John W. Dietrich, president and chief executive officer of Atlas Air Worldwide, «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. As this agreement indicates, Atlas is capitalizing on the strong global airfreight market conditions as we deepen our relationships with our customers».
For his part, DHL Express Executive Vice President of Aviation Rob Hyslop welcomed the continued partnership and said, «Continuing to work with Atlas and its global operational capabilities allows us to better serve our customers and their continued high demand for fast international shipments, driven by the megatrend of e-commerce and the overall importance of global trade».
Atlas Air Worldwide Holding currently operates the world’s largest fleet of Boeing 747 freighter aircraft. Its fleet is completed by Boeing 737, 767 and 777 aircraft. The group also has subsidiaries Polar Air Cargo, Southern Air and Titan.
