DHL Express and Singapore Airlines partnership grows with a new 777-200LRF

Singapore Airlines (SIA) is set to launch a new Boeing 777-200LRF freighter operation between Singapore and the US as part of a partnership with DHL Express.

DHL partnered with SIA in March to deploy five 777Fs with SIA on a crew and maintenance agreement (CM) in order to secure capacity out of Singapore.

DHL Express welcomed the arrival of the 777 freighter at Singapore Changi Airport. SIA will operate it on routes to the US via South Korea three times weekly from August.

The freighter, which sports a dual DHL-Singapore Airlines (SIA) livery, has a maximum capacity of 102 tonnes.

All five freighters will be operated by SIA pilots, with the maintenance overseen by SIA.

The second Boeing 777 freighter is slated to enter into service in November 2022, following which both freighters will operate the Singapore-Incheon-Los Angeles-Honolulu-Singapore route six times weekly.

The remaining three freighters are planned for delivery throughout 2023. Following this, all five freighters will operate on routes between the US and Singapore via points in North Asia and Australia.

Robert Hyslop, executive vice president for aviation, DHL Express, said: “Our global DHL Express aviation network consists of a combination of owned and partner airlines, which allows us to respond to increasing customer demand with agility and flexibility.

“The new Boeing 777 freighter demonstrates our ongoing effort to strengthen our network and adjust flight routes, as well as lower our carbon emissions to achieve greener logistics. Singapore Airlines’ expertise in flight operations will enable us to better meet our customers’ needs in cross-border commerce, as we leverage the strategic location of our South Asia Hub in Singapore.”

Lee Lik Hsin, executive vice president commercial, SIA, said: “SIA’s longstanding partnership with DHL reinforces Singapore’s position as a key air cargo and e-commerce logistics hub, and highlights our firm commitment to our cargo business. Air cargo also plays a vital role in keeping global supply chains open.

“Apart from supporting the fast-growing e-commerce segment, this new freighter operation provides a foundation to expand the partnership between SIA and DHL in the future.”