Maersk Air Cargo is expected to start operations in the second half of 2022 using two new Boeing 777Fs and three leased Boeing 767-300Fs.
The 767-300s will be added to US-China operations, which will initially be handled by a third-party operator, and aircraft are due for delivery from the second half of 2022 through to 2024.
It will be a standalone service taking over from the existing in-house aircraft operator, Star Air.
Torben Bengtsson, Global Head of Air and LCL at Maersk says: “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. We see an increased and continued demand for air cargo both today and going forward as well as a 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.”
Maersk last operated flights from Billund in 2005. Jan Hessellund, CEO of Billund Airport says: “We have had growth, defied the corona and set a new record year in cargo in 2021. It does not happen without good partners, and we do what we can to make our partners good. Now Maersk Air Cargo enters the stage at Billund Airport and raises it a notch. We are incredibly proud that we are being chosen as Maersk's European hub for air freight, and we look forward to developing the collaboration to even new heights.”