A.P. Moller: Maersk Launches Maersk Air Cargo

On April 8, Maersk issued an announcement on its official website, announcing the establishment of Maersk Air Cargo to continue expanding its logistics and multimodal transport products to improve integrated logistics service capabilities.

Maersk has decided to consolidate its aviation products into a new brand, Maersk Air Cargo, and in the process complete the 'Star Air' brand integration. At the same time, Maersk has chosen Billund Airport, the second largest airport in Denmark, as a hub for Maersk Air Cargo.

“Air freight is a key enabler of global supply chain flexibility and agility, which can help customers meet time-critical supply chain challenges and provide modal choice for high-value cargo. Therefore, by introducing Maersk Air Cargo, Maersk It is critical for Maersk to better serve our customers' needs while increasing our presence in the global air cargo industry," said Aymeric Chandavoine, Maersk's Head of Global Logistics and Services.

Maersk Air Cargo will gradually deploy and operate five aircraft - two new B777Fs and three leased B767-300 freighters. Three new B767-300 freighters will also be put into service on the China-US route, which will initially be managed by a third-party operator. The new aircraft are expected to enter service from the second half of 2022 to 2024.

“Maersk Air Cargo is an important step in Maersk Air Cargo’s strategy, which will allow us to offer our customers a truly unique set of solutions that combine air freight with other modes of transport. The demand for end-to-end logistics is growing, so it is important for us to strengthen our control and further our air cargo strategy,” said Torben Bengtsson, Global Head of Maersk Air and LCL.

Maersk aims to carry about a third of its annual airfreight capacity on a freight network it controls. This will be achieved through a combination of owned and leased aircraft, with the remaining capacity provided by strategic commercial airlines and charter operators.

It is worth mentioning that in addition to investing in air cargo, Maersk has also been expanding its freight forwarding network, having previously acquired Senator International, a German freight forwarding company that has a large share of the air cargo market. Following this transaction, Maersk has acquired Pilot Freight Services, another freight forwarder with a strong presence in the air cargo space.

Maersk Air Cargo is expected to start full operation in the second half of 2022. At the same time, major liner companies with sufficient funds are starting business expansion models, especially CMA CGM, which is also strengthening its air cargo business, becoming the One of the first companies to order Airbus' recently launched A350 freighter.

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