Another fish flapping its wings
The next carrier is developing its own division for airfreight by transferring the activities of its existing in-house aircraft operator, Star Air, to the newly born unit Maersk Air Cargo. The major Danish carrier has opted for Denmark’s second largest airport, Billund, as its air freight hub. Daily flights are on the agenda.
Aymeric Chandavoine, global head of logistics and services of A.P. Moller – Maersk, commented that airfreight is an important tool to "tackle time-critical supply chain challenges and provide transport mode options for high value cargo."
Maersk last operated from Billund in 2005. From the continent, Maersk Air Cargo will progressively deploy and operate a controlled capacity of five aircraft – two new B777F and three leased B767-300 cargo aircraft. Three new B767-300 freighters will also be added to the US-China operation, which will be initially handled by a third-party operator.
The new aircraft are expected to be operational from H2/2022 and onwards up to 2024. Maersk Air Cargo has also announced its intention to sign an agreement for the new staff with the Flight Personnel Union (FPU), which is a part of the Danish Confederation and Trade Unions (FH). (sh)