A.P. Moller - Maersk (Maersk) has announced the inaugural flight of the logistics company's new air freight service with scheduled flights between Billund, Denmark (BLL) and Hangzhou, China (HGH).
The shipping giant said the new service is in response to increasing customer demand.
In a statement, Maersk said the scheduled Eurasia operation would commence on March 20, with three weekly flights introducing the first of three newly converted Boeing 767-300 freighters that have recently been purchased for Maersk Air Cargo.
All Europe-China flights will be operated by Maersk's internal cargo airline.
"With the introduction of our new service between Europe and China, we have taken another leap with our customers in providing truly integrated logistics," said Michel Pozas Lucic, global head of Air in A.P. Moller – Maersk.
"We want to ensure that our customers have visibility, reliability, and resilience in their supply chains. In this, air freight with scheduled flights and controlled capacity represents a crucial part of our customers' end-to-end logistics needs," he added.
The inaugural flight also marks the first scheduled air cargo operation between Denmark and Asia.
Maersk noted that the corridor from Billund Airport is expected to significantly increase access for high-value and time-sensitive cargo between Scandinavia, Northern Europe, and the entire Asia-Pacific.
Furthermore, Maersk's newly opened air freight hub at Billund Airport in Denmark enables customers to avoid congestion and delays that are usually seen in larger airports.
In addition, the proximity of the aircraft parking apron to Maersk's airport warehouse facility allows better control and faster cargo clearance.
Maersk said the airport facility in Billund houses a fully equipped 4000 m² import and 13,000 m² export facility, as well as separate areas for cold storage, dangerous goods, scanning and ULD handling.
End-to-end logistics solution
Billund airport will have a Maersk Air cargo team with pilots and aircraft maintenance staff, a flight operations team and a freight forwarding team.
"With Maersk Air Cargo, Maersk is on a journey to provide customers with unique end-to-end air freight services through its own controlled capacity and a global network of scheduled flights," the shipping line said.
Maersk also recently launched a new air freight service with scheduled flights between Greenville-Spartanburg, South Carolina (GSP) and Incheon, Korea (ICN), operated by Miami-headquartered cargo airline Amerijet International.
In addition, Maersk opened a new Chicago air freight gateway facility to add more supply chain integration opportunities for customers using Chicago O’Hare International and Rockford International.