DHL Express Nears Decision on Next-Gen Widebody Freighters for Greener Operations

DHL Express is on the verge of making a groundbreaking decision to order either the Airbus A350F or Boeing 777-8F, according to Senior Vice-President (Global Air Fleet Management) Malcolm Macbeth. This move aligns with DHL’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint, with a focus on enhanced efficiency and sustainability.

Macbeth emphasized DHL’s strategic stance, stating, “Anything that we get from 2025 onwards that’s still going to be with us in 2050 has to be an improvement in efficiency.” The global logistics giant is gearing up to embrace new technology in the large-widebody space, with the decision between the A350F and B777-8F anticipated in the “not-so-distant” future.

Currently, DHL International has an order for seven current-generation B777-200Fs from Boeing, with deliveries slated through early 2025. Additionally, the group plans to incorporate nine converted B777-200(LR)(MF)s into its fleet. DHL’s existing widebody fleet spans various models and is operated by subsidiaries such as DHL Air, EAT Leipzig, DHL Air (Austria), DHL Aero Expreso, Air Hong Kong, and DHL International Aviation Middle East.

As part of its commitment to sustainability, DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions for all its logistics operations by 2050. The decision to invest in next-generation widebody freighters is a pivotal step in realizing this ambitious environmental goal.

Notably, DHL’s move toward new-generation freighters sets it apart from direct competitors FedEx and United Parcel Service (UPS), as neither of them has publicly announced orders for new-generation freighters thus far. DHL Express’s forward-looking approach positions it as a trailblazer in the logistics industry’s pursuit of greener and more efficient air transportation.