DHL Express to upgrade its European air fleet

Acquisition and conversion of 13 Airbus A300-600 helps DHL Express to provide higher payload and longer range in Europe

DHL Express is modernizing its European aircraft fleet to increase efficiency and reduce CO2-emissions. The company has acquired thirteen Airbus A300-600 passenger aircraft, which will be converted to freighter configuration by EADS Elbe Flugzeugwerke in Dresden, Germany. The new aircraft will be fully integrated into the European fleet by early 2013 and will replace the older A300B4-200 model. The first aircraft is scheduled to enter the conversion line in early June, with delivery at DHL’s Leipzig Hub planned for October.

Bryan Jamison, Managing Director Network Operations Europe at DHL Express, said: "The A300-600 is a very attractive mid-range aircraft and fits perfectly into our European air network. By introducing this aircraft we can ensure continuously high reliability and on-time performance for the years to come, while we are also able to take a big leap ahead towards our goal of reducing our carbon emissions by 30 percent by 2020."

Compared to its predecessor, the A300-600 offers completely new and modern technology. With approximately 49 tons payload, it can carry up to five tons more than the A300-B4-200 while at the same time having a 900 kilometers longer range and with up to 20 percent less fuel consumption.

DHL currently serves 85 airports across Europe with 92 planes, providing by its own account the most extensive air express connectivity in Europe. Globally, the company connects more than 500 airports with a fleet of 250 own aircraft.

Quelle: LogEastics
Plattform: www.logistik-express.com