The first aircraft will be delivered in 2024 with the rest joining the fleet until early 2027 as part of DHL Express’ sustainability strategy to modernise its fleet, which includes replacing older aircraft.
It says ordering converted freighters with a shorter useful life bridges the gap between current and new airframe technologies such as the Boeing 777-8F and Airbus A350F.
Robert Hyslop, EVP Global Aviation at DHL Express, says, “With the modernization of our intercontinental fleet, we can simultaneously enhance our proven ability to meet growing demand, improve our environmental footprint and deliver best quality service to our customers. We are pleased to continue demonstrating to partners and customers alike how these advancements elevate our service and bring us closer to our Sustainability Roadmap goals.”
The Mammoth converted 777-200LR has similar characteristics and benefits to the production freighter.
It has a payload capacity of 102 tons and a range of 9,200 kilometres and it is more fuel-efficient and reduces CO2 emissions by 18% compared to legacy aircraft.
Between 2018 and 2022, DHL bought 28 new B777-200Fs from Boeing, of which 18 are currently in service and the remaining will be delivered between this year and 2025.