DHL confirms incoming 777Fs to gradually replace 747-400Fs

[caption id="attachment_411862" align="alignright" width="358"] The first of at least fourteen 777Fs to be delivered to DHL Express. Photo: DHL[/caption] DHL Express confirmed today it plans to gradually phase-out older 747-400Fs as it takes delivery of new-build 777Fs. Earlier this month, Boeing delivered the first of at least fourteen, and up to twenty-one, 777Fs that were part of an order announced last year at the Farnborough Airshow [ FATs 004505–4525 ]. Cargo Facts estimated that a total of sixteen 747-400Fs were operating for DHL Express in its most recent update of the global express freighter fleet analysis – that number has since dropped. Over the past two years, at least three of the older 747-400BCFs previously operating for DHL Express in the Air Hong Kong fleet have been retired; in 2017, two ex-Cathay Pacific 747-400BCFs (24925, 24976) were removed from the fleet [ FATs 003861, 3994 ]. Last year, Air Hong Kong took its last -400BCF out of service (26557, ex-Cathay Pacific). The aircraft was later transferred to Atlas Air, where it now operates for the US military [ FAT 004894 ]. No timeline was provided for additional 747-400F retirements but it's likely that DHL will prioritize replacement of freighter-converted 747-400BCFs. US-based Kalitta Air, for example, operates at least three -400BCFs on behalf of DHL Express, all of which are approaching thirty years in age. The production 747-400Fs operating for DHL Express, meanwhile, are still relatively young. The oldest of nine 747-400Fs in the Polar Air Cargo fleet, (a 49/51 JV with Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings) is just over twenty years in age. As Cargo Facts reported last week, following delivery, DHL Express handed the 777F over to Southern Air to operate on a CMI basis (see more here ), which DHL also confirmed today in a release. Before year-end, the German express integrator plans to take delivery of three more 777Fs, though it still is unclear if all three will end up in the Southern Air fleet. For the time being, the 747F comprises a major component of DHL Express' long-haul freighter fleet. Here's a nifty video of a Kalitta-operated 747-400BCF currently operating in the DHL Express fleet:

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DHL confirms incoming 777Fs to gradually replace 747-400Fs

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Volga-Dnepr Technics Moscow adds 777 maintenance capability

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Related Posts

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CARGO FACTS CONSULTING

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Japanese air exports up in December and January, imports down

Follow Us