LONDON – On April 8, cargo giant A.P. Moller Maersk announced that it is launching an air freight division, to be named Maersk Air Cargo.

The New Division

The launch of the new division comes after Maersk had noticed a need for air freight demand from its customer base.

To help kick-start Maersk Air Cargo, the companies already existing in-house air freight carrier Star Air has transferred all its services across.

Commenting on the introduction of Maersk Air Cargo, their Global Head of Logistics and Service, Aymeric Chandavoine said:

“Air freight is a crucial enabler of flexibility and agility in global supply chains as it allows our customers to tackle time-critical supply chain challenges and provides transport mode options for high-value cargo.”

“We strongly believe in working closely with our customers. Therefore, it is key for Maersk to also increase our presence in the global air cargo industry by introducing Maersk Air Cargo to cater even better to the needs of our customers”.

Also commenting on the new division, Torben Bengtsson, Global Head of Air & LCL (Less than Container Load) added:

“Maersk Air Cargo is an important step of the Maersk Air Freight strategy, as it will allow us to offer customers a truly unique combination of air freight integrated with other transport modes.”

“We see an increased and continued demand for air cargo both today and going forward as well as growing demand for end-to-end logistics, why it is important for us to strengthen our own-controlled capacity and advance further on our air freight strategy.”

Maersk Air Cargo will be based out of Billund in the company’s homeland of Denmark where they will operate daily flights from the city. Not only this, but Maersk has also signed a new agreement with the Flight Personnel Union (FPU) to aid its workforce.

Adding thoughts to the new-based carrier, the Chief Executive Officer of Billund Airport, Jan Hessellund says, “We have had growth, defied the corona, and set a new record year in cargo in 2021.”

“It does not happen without good partners, and we do what we can to make our partners good. Now Maersk Air Cargo enters the stage at Billund Airport and raises it a notch.”

“We are incredibly proud that we are being chosen as Maersk’s European hub for air freight, and we look forward to developing the collaboration to even new heights.”

Maersk is also expecting that Maersk Air Cargo will be fully operational by the second half (H2) of 2022.

What Aircraft Will They Use?

Maersk Air Cargo plans to closely control its fleet count by initially stating that it will operate five aircraft, beginning with, which consists of two new Boeing 777 Freighters and three leased Boeing 767-300 Freighters.

On top of these five aircraft, the carrier will also utilize three new Boeing 767-300 Freighters through a yet-to-be-named third-party operator between the United States and China.

Given the statement of aircraft operating between the U.S. and China, it is likely that Maersk Air Cargo will operate out of Billund to the U.S. and China, however, at present their exact route network is still yet to be announced.