SmartLynx Malta and Germany's DHL Express have partnered together to break new ground in cargo transportation. The SmartLynx subsidiary, SmartLynx Malta, will be operating two Airbus A321-200 freighters to support the Express Division of Deutsche Post DHL Group. In a statement published on 24 February, SmartLynx Malta announced the signing of a new partnership agreement that will introduce two newly converted Airbus A321-200 freighters becoming a part of DHL's European fleet.
DHL Express is regarded as one of the world's leading air express couriers, and the addition of the two new technically advanced narrow-body aircraft will lessen its CO2 emissions. The Airbus A321-200 is the most fuel-efficient environment-friendly aircraft in its class.
SmartLynx is a Latvian company
As a member of the Avia Solutions Group, SmartLynx is a part of the largest aerospace business group operating charter and freight services in Central and Eastern Europe. It has a long history of flying the A321 family of aircraft. The new agreement between DHL will now see SmartLynx Malta enter into the air freight business.
When speaking about the new agreement in the statement, SVP Global Air Fleet Management at DHL Express, Geoff Hehr, said the following, as per a statement seen by Simple Flying:
“We at DHL pride ourselves as the global industry pioneer when it comes to introducing new generation conversion freighter types to the market. Continually modernizing our fleet with the most efficient and reliable cargo aircraft produced is vital to our success. Having led the world with the A330-300P2F development and successful implementation, it is only natural we would follow on by adding the smaller A321 family aircraft to our global freighter fleet.”
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The new partnership agreement serves as a recognition and confirmation of SmartLynx Malta's place in the aviation industry and its ability to support the growing worldwide demand for air freight.
2020 saw a massive uptick in air freight
Last year, a huge demand for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), rapid antigen tests, other medical supplies, and not to mention e-commerce, saw a massive increase in the need for increased air freight capacity. By investing in the fuel-efficient Airbus A321-200, SmartLynx Malta illustrates its commitment to embrace a more sustainable, cleaner future for air cargo.
“We are pleased to share the news about the latest addition to our client portfolio. By supporting DHL with two freighter units, our partner is advancing their readiness to respond to a growing air cargo demand,” added Zygimantas Surintas, CEO of SmartLynx Malta, as per the statement.
“We would like to express our deepest gratitude to all of the DHL team for their belief that we are both willing and capable of providing the highest-class product in keeping with their expectations. This development is a substantial step forward in our strategic plans for the future. DHL is a leading air transport capacity, and having strong partnerships is a decisive factor to growing our business even further and in a cleaner, more sustainable manner."
SmartLynx will add more cargo planes
With its commitment to an additional two A321Fs during 2021 and as many as four A321Fs during 2022, SmartLynx Malta aims to become one of the largest narrowbody cargo carriers in the next three years.
What do you think about the new SmartLynx Malta and DHL agreement? Please tell us your thought about it in the comments.