Bruce Barnard | May 14, 2009 12:58PM EDT
AeroLogic, the new cargo airline jointly owned by Lufthansa Cargo and DHL Express, has taken delivery of its first Boeing 777 freighter.
The aircraft, which flew non-stop to AeroLogic’s hub at Leipzig/Halle airport in eastern Germany from Boeing’s Seattle plant on Wednesday, is the first of eight similar freighters ordered by AeroLogic.
The second aircraft will arrive in July and two more will join AeroLogic’s fleet in December. The remaining four planes will be delivered by the end of 2010.
AeroLogic, which was established in September 2007, confirmed it will begin operations on June 29, focusing on routes between Europe and Asia.
While AeroLogic is an independent carrier, its capacity will be sold by Lufthansa Cargo and DHL Express who will also be responsible for cargo handling and warehousing.
DHL will be responsible for generating cargo during the week while Lufthansa Cargo will use AeroLogic’s planes to boost its capacity on weekends.
AeroLogic said it has already hired 80 employees, including pilots. The payroll will increase eventually to around 250, with an estimated 200 flight crew.
The airline, which originally ordered eleven Boeing 777 freighters, has said its ultimate goal is to be among the top five European cargo airlines.
Contact Bruce Barnard at brucebarnard47@hotmail.com.
