DB Schenker has introduced own-controlled flights connecting America, Europe and Asia directly, extending its global flight network. This week the first of two routings touching three continents took off from Munich Airport. The new offer comes in addition to the commercial block space agreements DB Schenker holds with preferred airline partners and is a reaction to the ongoing lack of freight capacity on passenger flights. According to DB Schenker, every week, the 43 flights can transport as much cargo as 135 wide-body passenger aircraft would hold.
Thorsten Meincke, Member of the Management Board for Air and Ocean Freight at DB Schenker, said, “As air passenger travel is still far from recovery, we have decided to create new and reliable cargo options for our customers. I am especially excited about our new routes via Munich Airport. Our existing and strong flight network will become even more global.”
As of this week, the first new route runs from Chicago (RFD) via Munich to Tokyo (NRT) and Seoul (ICN) before flying back to Germany and from there again to the US. It is operated by National Airlines and offers a combined weekly transport capacity of 400 tonnes. The second connection will be launched end of February and alternates from Munich to Chennai (MAA) and Chicago (RFD), with a combined weekly capacity of 300 tonnes. Both routes are announced to run for one year to provide stability in a challenging environment.
Jost Lammers, CEO and Chairman of the Management Board at Munich Airport, said, “During the COVID-19 pandemic, there is unfortunately a great deal of belly-load capacity missing due to the greatly reduced number of flights. This makes cargo-only traffic all the more important for Munich Airport.”
DB Schenker said, with late departures at key gateways in many markets, later cut-offs for shipment drop-offs can be realised. All connections are operated with Boeing 747 and Boeing 777 full freighter jets.
In 2020, the number of flights controlled and marketed by DB Schenker are said to have risen to a record high. Many of the new connections were initially established to substitute missing passenger flights and are continued in 2021. In addition, DB Schenker states, medical supply products will remain an important driver for air capacity demand, while general air cargo volumes for automotive equipment and consumer goods are increasing while the capacity-shortage prevails. With the extended flight portfolio DB Schenker also aims to create additional capacities for potential COVID-19 vaccine transportation demand.
Source: DB Schenker
