First B777 freighter for DHL

DHL has taken delivery of its first new Boeing 777 Freighter – the first of four due to go into service this year replacing older less fuel-efficient B747-400 freighters.

“The delivery of our first Boeing 777 Freighter marks an important milestone in our mission to overhaul our intercontinental fleet. This efficient, long-range and high-capacity freighter will enable us to serve even more markets with non-stop flights and significantly contributes to greater sustainability in line with our sustainability strategy ‘zero emission by 2050’, said DHL Express chief executive John Pearson.

The new Boeing 777 will strengthen DHL’s intercontinental services and connect major DHL hubs in Cincinnati, Leipzig, Hong Kong and others. Operated by DHL partner Southern Air, the plane will soon start scheduled operations.

With a payload capability of 112 tons and a range of 9,200 km, the B777 F has the largest capacity and range of all twin-engine freight airplanes. They are also more fuel efficient and reliable than older models, reducing CO2 emissions by 18 per cent versus the aircraft being replaced. The older B747-400s aircraft will be gradually replaced as the new models arrive. Another three B777 F are scheduled to arrive this year.