AeroLogic to hit the skies in 2009

DHL and Lufthansa Cargo have jointly announced the 2009 delivery of its new cargo carrier, AeroLogic.

A 50-50 joint venture between the two companies, the cargo carrier will be based in the Leipzig/Schkeuditz at Leipzig Halle Airport.

The first four of a total of 11 AeroLogic Boeing 777-200LRFs are slated for delivery in early 2009. "That will enable us to gradually build up AeroLogic's route network," said Charles Graham, CEO of DHL Aviation.

"Four more freighters will follow in 2010, a further two in 2011, and we plan to add a reserve aircraft to the fleet in 2012," he continued.

The airline was founded in September 2007, developed from a joint venture set up by the two partners in 2004. According to a joint release, AeroLogic's cargo capacities will mainly be used by DHL Express and Lufthansa Cargo, with operations planned around both partners' requirements: on weekdays freighters will fly to Asian destinations in the express network operated by DHL Express, while weekends they will supplement Lufthansa Cargo's services.

"For customers of the parent companies, AeroLogic will mean more capacity, more flexibility, an expanded network and improved operating times," the companies said in a statement.

With the launch of the airline, the companies plan to increase its headcount to 250 from the 20 employees it has currently.