Maersk (Maersk), one of the world's largest container shipping lines, has announced the launch of its new air cargo unit which it said is in response to demand for global air cargo.
The shipping giant said "Maersk Air Cargo" will be Maersk's main air freight offering serving the logistics needs of its clients with integrated logistics.
Maersk said it chose Denmark's second-largest airport, Billund, as its air freight hub for Maersk Air Cargo with daily flights creating several jobs in the region.
End-to-end logistics offering
Maersk Air Cargo also announced its intent to enter into an agreement with the Flight Personnel Union (FPU) which is a part of the Danish Confederation and Trade Unions (FH).
"Air freight is a crucial enabler of flexibility and agility in global supply chains as it allows our customers to tackle time-critical supply chain challenges and provides transport mode options for high-value cargo," said Aymeric Chandavoine, global head of logistics and services, A.P. Moller – Maersk.
"We strongly believe in working closely with our customers. Therefore, it is key for Maersk to also increase our presence in the global air cargo industry by introducing Maersk Air Cargo to cater even better to the needs of our customers," Chandavoine added.
Maersk noted that its "owned controlled capacity," powered by Maersk Air Cargo, is designed to "make supply chain journeys more resilient and intuitive."
"As a standalone service, Maersk Air Freight can help customers make the most of opportunities by getting their air cargo to the right place at the right time. When combined with our ocean, inland, warehousing, and customs services it will power your supply chain in more ways than one," the largest shipping line added.
Maersk Air Cargo is the result of the existing in-house aircraft operator, Star Air, which has transferred activities into Maersk Air Cargo, the new carrier supporting existing and new customers, and Maersk's end-to-end logistics.
Continued demand for air cargo cited
"Maersk Air Cargo is an important step of the Maersk Air Freight strategy, as it will allow us to offer customers a truly unique combination of air freight integrated with other transport modes," said Torben Bengtsson, global head of air & LCL (Less than Container Load), A.P. Moller – Maersk.
"We see an increased and continued demand for air cargo both today and going forward as well as growing demand for end-to-end logistics, why it is important for us to strengthen our own-controlled capacity and advance further on our air freight strategy," Bengtsson added.
Maersk said it last operated from Billund in 2005.
From Europe, Maersk noted that Maersk Air Cargo will progressively deploy and operate a controlled capacity of five aircraft – two new B777F and three leased B767-300 cargo aircraft.
Three new B767-300 freighters will also be added to the US-China operation, which will be initially handled by a third-party operator.
Meanwhile, the new aircraft are expected to be operational from the second half of 2022 and onwards up to 2024.
The move to launch a cargo airline comes as global supply chains continue to face disruption amid persisting lockdowns related to Covid-19 particularly in China, as well as port congestion and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Amid all the disruptions in the market, airfreight has provided some relief to the supply chains and to firms seeking to transport urgent shipments.
Fully operational by second-half 2022
"Maersk's ambition is to have approximately one-third of its annual air tonnage carried within its own controlled freight network," Maersk said in the announcement, noting that this will be achieved through a combination of owned and leased aircraft, replicating the structure that the company has within its ocean fleet.
It added that the remaining capacity will be provided by strategic commercial carriers and charter flight operators.
"Maersk Air Cargo is expected to be fully operational as of the second half of 2022," the shipping line added.
Cash-rich container lines have set sight on air cargo in a bid to diversify across the supply chain and offer end-to-end solutions to their customers.
CMA CGM, the world's third-largest container shipping company, launched CMA CGM Air Cargo last year, with a fleet of four Airbus A330-200F freighters and orders for two Boeing 777 freighters.
Meanwhile, the MSC Group — which surpassed Maersk as the world's largest shipping line — has expressed interest in acquiring a majority stake in Alitalia's successor ITA Airways.
This move, should it push through, would also give the Swiss shipping line a stake in both cargo and passenger aviation.