CM agreement takes shape ! First Dual Singapore Airlines - DHL Livery B777-F aircraft started it's test flights !

CM agreement takes shape ! First Dual Singapore Airlines - DHL Livery B777-F aircraft (9V-DHA) departs Paine Field (PAE/ KPAE) on its B1 (first) test flight to Grant County International Airport (MWH) on 25th July afternoon.

On March 10th 2022 , DHL Express had entered into a Crew and Maintenance agreement (CM) with Singapore Airlines (SIA) to deploy five such Boeing 777 freighters.

Based at Singapore’s Changi Airport and serving DHL’s South Asia Hub there, the freighters will be operated by SIA pilots on routes to the USA via points in North Asia, will essentially focus on the fast-growing e-commerce segment .

The initial agreement was set for more than four years with the opportunity for an extension . As part of the agreement, the first aircraft delivery was expected in July 2022 , with the second in October 2022 . The remaining three aircraft are planned for delivery throughout 2023. 

At the time of agreement , Lee Lik Hsin , Executive Vice President Commercial, SIA, had said:

“Today’s agreement builds on and strengthens the long-standing partnership between SIA and DHL. This new freighter operation will support the fast-growing e-commerce segment, in addition to other key business segments that rely on trusted express services that DHL excels in providing. It also provides a foundation on which the partnership between SIA and DHL can be further expanded in the future. Basing these freighters at Changi Airport will further reinforce Singapore’s position as a key air cargo and e-commerce logistics hub, contributing to its growth and development.”

Travis Cobb, EVP Global Network Operations and Aviation at DHL Express had released statement ,

“With the deployment of five Boeing 777 freighters, we can expand our express service linking the Asia Pacific region with the Americas. Following the pandemic, we see good prospects for strong growth in trans-Pacific trade lanes. By collaborating with Singapore Airlines, we see a unique chance to establish a long-lasting relationship with a long time partner who shares common values and operates at the highest standard.”

While DHL Express operates over 320 dedicated aircraft across its global network of 220 countries and territories , SIA’s cargo division operates to more than 90 destinations as part of its network , that includes a fleet of freighters as well as the bellyhold space of the SIA and Scoot passenger aircraft.