Competition between shipping lines intent on capturing a greater share of the end-to-end logistics market is reaching boiling point, with A P Moller – Maersk (Maersk) today announcing the launch of Maersk Air Cargo as the company´s main airfreight offering
The Group has chosen Denmark’s second largest airport, Billund, as its airfreight hub, with daily flights creating several jobs in the region.
“Airfreight is a crucial enabler of flexibility and agility in global supply chains as it allows 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,” says Aymeric Chandavoine, APM global head of logistics and services.
“The new airfreight company is the result of the existing in-house aircraft operator, Star Air, transferring activities into Maersk Air Cargo, the new carrier supporting existing and new customers and Maersk’s end-to-end logistics,” Chandavoine said.
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 the second half of 2022 and onwards up to 2024.
Maersk’s ambition was to have approximately one third of its annual air tonnage carried within its own controlled freight network, Chandavoine said. This will be achieved through a combination of owned and leased aircraft, replicating the structure that the company has within its ocean fleet. The remaining capacity will be provided by strategic commercial carriers and charter flight operators.
Maersk Air Cargo is expected to be fully operational by the second half of 2022.
