SIA to operate 5 Boeing 777 freighter planes on behalf of DHL Express by end-2023

Singapore Airlines will operate five freighter planes on behalf of DHL Express by the end of next year as it seeks to further tap on the booming air cargo market. SIA and DHL said in a joint statement on Thursday that they have signed a crew and maintenance agreement for SIA to deploy five Boeing 777 freighters. The initial agreement will last for more than four years, with the option to extend further. The value of the agreement is undisclosed.<br/> The planes will sport a dual DHL-SIA livery. They will be based at Changi Airport - a first for DHL. The planes will be operated by SIA pilots on routes to the United States via points in North Asia. The first aircraft delivery will be in July and the second in October. The remaining three planes are scheduled to be delivered next year. SIA executive vice-president of commercial Lee Lik Hsin said the new freighter operation will support the fast growing e-commerce segment. "Basing these freighters at Changi Airport will further reinforce Singapore's position as a key air cargo and e-commerce logistics hub, contributing to its growth and development," he added. Ken Lee, CE of DHL Express Asia Pacific, said the agreement guarantees capacity on DHL's critical routes out of Singapore. It will also give the firm more flexibility to add new routes and optimise aircraft utilisation in response to sudden changes.<br/>