Australia Post “well placed to manage the increased volume” over Peak
Australia Post has added a new freighter to its fleet, providing critical capacity and flexibility to support growing eCommerce demands during the busy peak Christmas period.
Operated in partnership with Qantas Freight, the newly converted A330-200P2F aircraft doubles the volume of Australia Post’s largest current freighter. Providing 130 tonnes of capacity each night, initially the new freighter will operate between the east coast and Perth, carrying StarTrack and Express Post parcels.
This investment marks a major milestone in Australia Post’s commitment to enhancing its delivery network and will increase overall peak capacity by 29 per cent. Additionally, the new freighter will support Australia Post meeting its emissions reductions targets as it continues to modernise its operations.
The new freighter will reduce Australia Post’s aircraft emissions by replacing a B737F which will be retired from the fleet. Producing 42 per cent less carbon emissions per kilogram of cargo than the B737F, the extensive capacity of the A330 requires less fuel for each parcel carried.
Australia Post Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Paul Graham emphasised the significance of the new freighter and the role it will play in Australia Post’s delivery network.
“Our new A330 freighter delivers increased flexibility within our freighter fleet, creating a sustainable, long-term solution to meet growing customer demand driven by eCommerce. This new freighter also builds on our longstanding partnership with Qantas Freight, which operates our existing freighter fleet.
“The new A330 provides a direct boost to our freighter capacity during our busiest time of year, ensuring we are well placed to manage the increased volume expected across the cyber sales period and Christmas.
“Notably, the A330 allows us to further simplify and streamline our services while delivering on our commitment to a more sustainable future. The additional capacity of this aircraft allows us to reduce the number of aircraft we have in the air by operating on our largest volume sectors, in turn reducing our carbon footprint and supporting fast and reliable deliveries for our customers.”
During December 2022, Australia Post carried more than 9 million kilograms via its dedicated freighters and within the aircraft belly hold of commercial flights.
Australia Post has a fleet of 14 dedicated freighter aircraft via its air services partner Qantas Freight.
Australia Post has also announced last sending dates ahead of Christmas. For sending to and from most destinations within Australia via Parcel Post, parcels should be sent by Monday 18 December, or if sending via Express Post by Thursday 21 December. People sending to or from Western Australia and Northern Territory should allow a few extra days.
