DHL Express to set up new cargo operation at Cork Airport
Cork Airport warmly welcomes the news that DHL Express is to establish new cargo operations from Cork to DHL Express’ largest European hub in Leipzig, Germany.
DHL Express will offer one of the most modern and efficient freighter services in the world, operated initially by a Boeing 767 lower deck aircraft five days per week, Monday to Friday inclusive.
Commenting on the news, Niall MacCarthy, Managing Director at Cork Airport said: “We are delighted to welcome the DHL Express Cargo Operations to Cork Airport. With the changes arising from Covid-19, it has provided the opportunity to us to diversify our business into new areas supporting cargo, offshore gas and wind operations.
“The aircraft to be operated by DHL is a large wide-body and we are delighted that Cork and Munster will now have an additional five times weekly air cargo operation to serve the expanding needs of the business community of the south of Ireland. We look forward to working with our new partners DHL Express into the future”, he added.
Condor, the German leisure airline, has leased four Boeing 767-300’s to DHL to carry cargo instead of passengers. The aircraft are being used by DHL to supplement the increase in cargo capacity on a number of routes as a result of the
Covid-19 pandemic. One of these leased aircraft will operate on specific routes for DHL from their new operation at Cork Airport.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Fianna Fáil TD for Cork East, James O’Connor TD welcomed the announcement.
“It shows a vote of confidence in Cork Airport and will be a welcome boost for jobs and economic development of the Cork region. It will strengthen the commercial offering of Cork Airport to customers and highlights a level of dynamic thinking, despite the challenges of Covid-19.
“It is great to see such an agreement being reached. It is a big boost for the Cork area and again highlights the importance of our airports for continued connectivity with the international community, which is essential for our long-term economic development as an island nation,” said Deputy O’Connor.
Mike Farrell, Operations Director at DHL Express Ireland said: “The Cork region continues to be a hugely important part of the DHL Express Ireland network and as volumes continue to grow both in and out of the region, it has allowed us to take the next step in our development through operating a dedicated aircraft in this sector. This move will provide for earlier deliveries and later collections which will only serve to strengthen the commercial offer of customers within Cork.”