Singapore Airlines took delivery of its first Boeing 777F (Freighter) at Changi International Airport (SIN), its main hub. The delivery extends the partnership between the airline and international logistics company DHL Express, sporting a livery that combines visual elements of both companies.
In March 2022, they had signed a partnership agreement to operate five Boeing 777F. Singapore Airlines pilots and maintenance personnel would operate the aircraft, which have a maximum cargo capacity of up to 102 tonnes. The services would be marketed in conjunction with DHL Express, one of the world’s largest companies in the segment.
According to the Singapore Airlines, the new aircraft will initially operate on routes to the United States, via South Korea, three times a week. A second aircraft is scheduled to enter into service in November this year. Both aircraft will be used to cover the Singapore (SIN) – Seoul-Incheon (ICN) – Los Angeles (LAX) – Honolulu (HNL) – Singapore (SIN) route with up to six weekly frequencies.
The remaining three aircraft would be added to the fleet during 2023. With five units, the company will expand its network of intermediate connections between Singapore and the United States and add new terminals in Asia and Australia, according to the statement.
Importance of the alliance in the current boom in the air cargo market
«Singapore Airlines’ longstanding partnership with DHL reinforces Singapore’s position as a key air cargo and e-commerce logistics hub, and highlights our firm commitment to our cargo busines», said Lee Lik Hsin, the airline’s Executive Vice President Commercial. «Air cargo also plays a vital role in keeping global supply chains open», he added.
Meanwhile, Robert Hyslop, Executive Vice President for Aviation at DHL Express, said the company’s global network «consists of a combination of owned and partner airlines», a condition that brings «agility and flexibility» to its service offering. «Singapore Airlines’ expertise in flight operations will enable us to better meet our customers’ needs in cross-border commerce, as we leverage the strategic location of our South Asia Hub in Singapore», he argued in that regard.
See also: Air Canada Cargo to add two Boeing 777F to its fleet
