DHL Eyes New Aircraft Order

DHL is reportedly considering ordering next-generation freighters from Airbus or Boeing.

The report comes from Bloomberg’s reputable Danny Lee, who broke the story on the eve of the 2023 Dubai Airshow.

Next Generation Freighters Available

As part of its next-generation fleet, DHL has two options from either Airbus or Boeing.

These include the A350 Freighter from Airbus and the 777-8F from Boeing, both of which were announced relatively recently.

Airbus’ A350F is expected to carry 109 tonnes with the capacity for 30 pallets on the main deck and 12 in the lower hold.

Meanwhile, it will have a range of 4,700 nautical miles (8,700 kilometres) at maximum payload. Airbus says Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines will power its A350Fs once production begins.

For Boeing’s newly launched 777-8F, the payload will sit higher at 118.2 tonnes. Thirty-one pallets will be fitted on the main deck, with 13 in the lower hold.

Boeing expects that its 777-8F will come with a slightly lower range than the A350F, with a max range of 4,410 nautical miles (8,167 kilometres.

Timeframe On Release Of Freighters

Airbus is currently targeting a 2026 entry into service date for its new A350 freighter.

This follows a recent postponement after the first parts of the A350F’s centre wing box arrived in France.

While a 2026 EIS is still some years away, Airbus has an advantage because its A350 passenger series is already certified and airborne.

As a result, the plane maker can focus on delivering the plane to customers on time.

Boeing’s 777-8F is expected to enter service one year after the A350F in 2027. However, much will hinge on the 777-9 certification programme.

The American plane maker has not yet secured certification for the passenger series. As a result, the two remaining variants, the 777-8 and 777-8F, have not been produced.

When the 777-9 enters service, carriers will deploy it, most likely more than five years later than initially expected.

Bloomberg says DHL is in the preliminary stages of evaluating the two aircraft on offer.

After the evaluation, DHL’s chief said it would then look to move forward with an order for the next generation of freight aircraft.

An Earlier Commitment This Year

Earlier this year, DHL committed to nine Mammoth Freighter converted 777-200LRs.

With this commitment, DHL said it expected to deliver the first unit in 2024, with deliveries to conclude in 2027.

DHL expects these 777-200LR converted freighters to help replace the aging Boeing 747s.

Older Boeing 777s are increasingly being considered for freighter conversions as their service life is extended.

DHL views these planes as a perfect way to bridge the gap between older and next-generation freighter technology.

While these 777-200LR converted freighters won’t be around for decades, they can provide a valuable solution for the company.

The DHL Fleet

Across its various subsidiaries, DHL operates 212 in-service aircraft, with eight currently in storage, per data.

The most significant fleet type is the 767F, with 50 in service. 35 757Fs and 34 A330Fs follow this.

DHL’s total fleet average age: By average age, some of its oldest types are the 767-200s, 757-200s, and A300-600 freighter aircraft.