Express service provider DHL placed an order for 14 Boeing 777 Freighters, which also includes options and purchase rights for seven additional aircraft at Farnborough International Airshow on Monday. The delivery of the first four aircraft are expected to be completed next year.

“The acquisition of the 14 Boeing airplanes reflects a gradual replacement of our older intercontinental fleet. As the most fuel-efficient, most reliable freighter type with the best long-haul range, these aircraft will contribute to our emissions reduction targets and allow us to serve even more markets with non-stop flights. DHL was an early adopter of this type of aircraft for the logistics industry and took delivery of the third B777F produced by Boeing in 2009. With extensive experience operating this freighter type, it has proven to be superior in all aspects of operation making it a logical choice,” says DHL Express CEO Ken Allen.

Overall these 14 replacement aircraft are capacity neutral but operational-wise with significant cost, efficiency and reliability benefits. For 2018 pre-payments in the amount of €200m will be made and have already been included in the group Capex guidance.

The state-of-the-art aircraft will reduce CO2 emissions by 18 per cent versus the aircraft being replaced. DHL Express operates over 260 dedicated aircraft with 17 partner airlines on over 600 daily flights across 220 countries.