Maersk launches new air cargo airline

Copenhagen, Denmark—Leading global shipping firm, Maersk, launched a new airfreight airline, Maersk Air Cargo, in a bid to serve its clients with integrated logistics on land, sea and air.

Maersk said Denmark’s second largest airport, Billund, will be its air freight hub for Maersk Air Cargo. With daily flights creating several jobs in the region,  the company says it will enter into an agreement with the Flight Personnel Union (FPU) which is a part of the Danish Confederation and Trade Unions.

Aymeric Chandavoine, Global Head of Logistics and Services, A.P. Moller – Maersk, said: “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. 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 for the needs of our customers.”

The new air freight company 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. The process of transferring activities has received excellent support from customers, suppliers, employees and the Danish Civil Aviation Authority.

Maersk last operated from Billund in 2005. From the continent, Maersk Air Cargo says it 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. The new aircraft are expected to be operational from second half 2022 and onwards up to 2024.