DB Schenker commences India air cargo charter service

DB Schenker has commenced its India air cargo charter service, which is part of its Global Flight Operations Program launched to bridge the capacity gap.

Boeing 747 freighters will be used for the service to transport cargo between India, Europe and the US (Munich—Chennai—Chicago RFD).

Cargo carried on the flights will include healthcare and temperature-sensitive pharma, e-consumer, automotive and industrial products.

Vishal Sharma, chief executive of DB Schenker, India and Indian sub-continent, said: “The introduction of our second flight operations is a significant step towards reinforcing our Global Flight Operations Program to meet the growing logistics demand of the customers in India.

“Our flight operations initiative started in early 2020 was highly appreciated by the customers. We are continuing the operations in 2021 also by introducing newer routes, offering timely and streamlined last-mile deliveries to customers.”

Keku Bomi Gazdar, chief executive of Airport Authority of India Cargo Logistics and Allied Services Company Limited, added: “It is a proud moment for us that today at Chennai airport we have added one of the largest global freight forwarders as our customer in India by connecting India to the Europe and the US.”

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DB Schenker’s Chicago RFD—Munich—Tokyo—Seoul air charter service was launched last month.

Last year, DB Schenker rapidly expanded its air cargo charter network as it looked to tackle capacity shortages caused by the grounding of passenger flights.

In 2020, the number of flights controlled and marketed by DB Schenker rose to a record high.

“Many of the new connections were initially established to substitute missing passenger flights,” DB Schenker said. “This continues in 2021. In addition, medical supply products will remain an important driver for air capacity demand. General air cargo volumes for automotive equipment and consumer goods are increasing while the capacity-shortage prevails.

“With the extended flight portfolio DB Schenker also creates additional capacities for potential Covid-19 vaccine transportation demand.”