DP-DHL denies forwarding business for sale

Deutsche Post-DHL has been prominent here at CargoFacts.com in the last week, so it seems fitting to cap things off with a final bit of news, and then some related videos for your weekend viewing pleasure.

Today’s news, or perhaps anti-news, is that Frank Appel, DP-DHL’s CEO, issued a denial that the company’s troubled forwarding business was up for sale. Late last week, Reuters broke a story, citing “people familiar with the matter,” that DP-DHL was considering the sale of DHL Global Forwarding, with Japan Post as a possible buyer. Today, in a statement to Air Cargo News, Dr. Appel said: “To clear up false rumors and to be unequivocal, DP DHL is not exploring the sale of our Global Forwarding and Freight Division (DGFF). We have a market leading position in this business with a strong brand, an unmatched global network and the best people in the industry. DGFF is core to our company and we see a good future for it as part of DPDHL Group”

However, the problems at DHL Global Forwarding run deep, and while a sale may not be in the cards, something drastic will have to be done.

On a much cheerier note, we reported yesterday the good fourth-quarter and full-year performance turned in by Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, and the company’s guidance that 2016 would be even stronger. Part of the foundation on which Atlas’ current and future strength rests is its relationship with DHL Express, which, unlike DHL Global Forwarding, is doing very well. And the Atlas/DHL relationship will deepen this year with Atlas’ acquisition of Southern Air, which operates ten freighters for DHL Express.

So, to close off a week of news about DHL, Atlas, and Southern Air, here are a few videos…

First, here’s an Atlas 747-400F, operated by the Atlas/DHL joint venture Polar Air Cargo, taking off on a beautiful day from Narita.