Maersk Air Cargo Launches Direct Freighter Service from Denmark to China

Ocean carrier is expanding private cargo airline, plans additional China routes

Maersk Air Cargo is operating Boeing 767-300s converted freighters between Billund, Denmark, and Hangzhou, China (Photo: Maersk Air Cargo)

New Maersk Air Cargo Route: Denmark to China

The ocean shipping and logistics behemoth Maersk has inaugurated a new air service between its cargo hub in Billund Airport, Denmark, and Hangzhou, China. The company is planning a second China-to-U.S. route in response to rising demand.

Maersk's Expansion into Air Freight

This is the second Asia route to be established since A.P. Moller-parent Maersk's company consolidated airfreight forwarding and an existing private airline under the Maersk Air Cargo brand last year. The objective is to provide businesses with more efficient logistics options. Star Air, Maersk's internal cargo airline, will operate three newly converted Boeing 767-300 freighters on the Denmark-China route three times per week.

Aiming for Integrated Logistics

"With the introduction of our new service between Europe and China, we have taken another step in providing true integrated logistics to our customers," said Maersk's global head of air, Michel Pozas Lucic. The company aims to transport approximately one-third of its annual air tonnage using a combination of owned and leased aircraft within its own controlled freight network. Commercial airlines and charter flight operators will provide the remaining capacity.

First Scheduled Air Cargo Operation between Denmark and Asia

The inaugural flight represents the first regularly scheduled air cargo service between Denmark and Asia. The corridor from Billund Airport is anticipated to significantly improve the accessibility of high-value, time-sensitive cargo between Scandinavia, Northern Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region. Maersk Air Cargo will also offer airlift services to regional shippers located outside of Denmark.

Challenging Times for Air Cargo Operators

Maersk's new service comes amid challenging times for air cargo operators, with a yearlong drop in air cargo volumes. However, there are signs that air exports from China are picking up, with demand from southern China to Europe increasing in the past couple of weeks.

Billund Base: A Strategic Choice

As part of a growing trend, cargo airlines and logistics companies are directing freighters to smaller, less-congested airports, such as Billund. To support the expansion of its air cargo business, Maersk relocated its air hub from Copenhagen to Billund, allowing for improved control and faster cargo clearance.

U.S. Market and Expansion Plans

Maersk Air Cargo plans to connect Shenyang, China's airport with Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) in South Carolina via Seoul. Additionally, the company has opened a freight station near Chicago O'Hare International Airport to expedite customer shipments.

Competitors Following Maersk's Lead

In the past 15 months, ocean carriers CMA CGM and Mediterranean Shipping Co. have established their own cargo airlines as part of a comprehensive logistics strategy. As part of its strategy to focus on integrated logistics, Maersk also announced the sale of Maersk Supply Services, a provider of offshore marine services and project management for the energy sector.

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