AP Moller-Maersk Air, Initiative taken following customers’ global air cargo needs
AP Moller–Maersk (Maersk) recently announced Maersk Air Cargo as the company´s main air freight offering serving the logistics needs of its clients with integrated logistics.
At the same time AP Moller-Maersk Air chose Denmark’s second largest airport, Billund, as its air freight hub for Maersk Air Cargo with daily flights creating several jobs in the region.
To this end Maersk Air Cargo also announced their intent to enter into an agreement with the Flight Personnel Union (FPU) which is a part of the Danish Confederation and Trade Unions (FH).
Enabler of agility
“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. Therefore, it is key for Maersk to also increase our presence in the global air cargo industry by introducing Maersk Air Cargo to cater even better for the needs of our customers,” affirmed Aymeric Chandavoine, Global Head of Logistics and Services, AP Moller–Maersk.
The new air freight company is the result of the existing in-house aircraft operator, Star Air, which has transferred activities into Maersk Air Cargo, the new carrier supporting existing and new customers and Maersk’s end to end logistics.
The process of transferring activities has received excellent support from customers, suppliers, employees and the Danish Civil Aviation Authority, a press communique observed.
“Maersk Air Cargo is an important step of the Maersk Air Freight strategy, as it will allow us to offer customers a truly unique combination of air freight integrated with other transport modes,” asserted Torben Bengtsson, Global Head of Air & LCL (Less than Container Load), AP Moller–Maersk
Increased demand
“We see an increased and continued demand for air cargo both today and going forward as well as a growing demand for end-to-end logistics,” he continued.
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 second half 2022 and onwards up to 2024.
Billund Airport
Billund Airport looks forward to welcoming Maersk Air Cargo, which will also support the growth of the West Danish business community.
“Now Maersk Air Cargo enters the stage at Billund Airport and raises it a notch. We are incredibly proud that we are being chosen as Maersk’s European hub for air freight, and we look forward to developing the collaboration to even new heights,” noted Jan Hessellund, CEO, Billund Airport. Maersk Air Cargo is expected to be fully operational as of second half of 2022.
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