MAERSK has reinforced its position in the air freight market with the launch of Maersk Air Cargo, to be supported by the operation of five aircraft.

Maersk said its owned and controlled air cargo capacity, when combined with sea freight and landside services, would ensure resilient and intuitive supply chain journeys.

Aymeric Chandavoine, Maersk’s global head of logistics and services, said air freight is a crucial enabler of flexibility and agility in global supply chains.

“It allows our customers to tackle time-critical supply chain challenges and provides transport mode options for high value cargo,” Mr Chandavoine said.

“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.”

Maersk said its goal is to have approximately one third of its annual air tonnage carried within its own controlled freight network.

The company hopes to achieve its ambition through a combination of owned and leased aircraft, reflecting the structure of its fleet of ships.

The remaining capacity is expected to be provided by strategic commercial carriers and charter flight operators.

Torben Bengtsson, Maersk’s global head of air & LCL, said the launch of Maersk Air Cargo is an important step in Maersk’s air freight strategy.

“It will allow us to offer customers a truly unique combination of air freight integrated with other transport modes,” he said.

“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, [which is] why it is important for us to strengthen our own-controlled capacity and advance further on our air freight strategy.”

The company expects to progressively deploy and operate five aircraft, including two new Boeing 777 Freighter aircraft and three leased Boeing 767-300 cargo aircraft.

Maersk said three new Boeing 767-300 freighters will also be added to the company’s US-China operation, which will initially be handled by a third-party operator.

The new aircraft are expected to enter into operation between the second half of this year and 2024.  

Maersk Air Cargo stems from Maersk’s existing in-house aircraft operator Star Air, which is headquartered at Copenhagen airport.

Star Air has transferred its activities into Maersk Air Cargo, a move which has reportedly received support from customers, suppliers, employees, and Danish aviation authorities.

Denmark’s second largest airport, Billund, has been chosen as the freight hub for the new air cargo service. Billund Airport CEO Jan Hessellund welcomed the decision.

“We have had growth, defied the corona and set a new record year in cargo in 2021,” Mr Hessellund said.

“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.”

Maersk Air Cargo is expected to be fully operational by the second half of this year.