Leading Danish cargo shipping company Maersk announced the launch of Maersk Air Cargo, its new cargo airline.
Specifically, it will take over the activities of the existing Star Air, which currently has 15 Boeing 767 freighters in its fleet. It will be based at Billund Airport (BLL), Denmark’s second-largest airport and an important hub for air cargo operations. Billund serves as one of Europe’s main cargo gateways.
The new company will serve existing and new customers, as well as Maersk’s integrated logistics. The business transfer process has already received support from suppliers, customers, employees and the Danish Civil Aviation Authority.
Aymeric Chandavoine, Global Head of Logistics and Services, said: “Air freight is a crucial enabler of flexibility and agility in global supply chains as it allows our customers to tackle time-critical supply chain challenges and provides transport mode options for high-value cargo”.
The company’s intention is to make supply chain journeys more “resilient and intuitive”. The new air service, combined with sea, road, warehousing and customs services, will enhance the process of transporting goods.
Torben Bengtsson, Maersk’s Global Head of Air & LCL (Less than Container Load), said the new airline will allow them to offer “a truly unique combination of air freight integrated with other transport modes”. As for future prospects, he said they see “an increased and continued demand for air cargo” as well as for end-to-end logistics.
Maersk Air Cargo is expected to be fully operational from the second half of 2022. The company expects that one-third of all air cargo it transports will be moved on its own airline. From a combination of owned and leased aircraft, it intends to replicate the structure of its maritime fleet. The remaining capacity will be provided by strategic commercial carriers and charter operators.
