Lufthansa and DHL move to share space in a flash
Lufthansa Cargo (LC) is sharing DHL’s intra-European overnight express network after previously converting four B737 “quick change” passenger aircraft for freight each night to deliver its fastest time-definite product, td.Flash.
The increased capacity available on DHL’s new fleet of B757 freighters, being delivered through this year, has enabled LC to replace its B737s. DHL currently has 11 B757s, with 23 on order.
Through blockspace agreements, it will offer DHL 13 destinations on its summer schedule, bookable under Lufthansa flight numbers.
Shipments will transfer between the carriers in Cologne, where they operate express hubs.
A joint planning team is at work to improve aircraft utilisation and optimise flight schedules, and the partners expect to greatly expand their co-operation by summer 2003.
“DHL is opening up an opportunity for us not only to continue offering our td.Flash product in Europe, but also to take it into new markets that we can’t cover using our own current network”, said Herbert Steppat, senior VP network planning at LC.
“Furthermore, this co-operation will allow us to significantly augment utilisation of our intercontinental flights.” The carrier/integrator cooperation within Europe follows the lead taken by KLM and TPG, the difference in this case being that DHL is 25% owned by Lufthansa.
Posted: 08/04/2002
