Atlas Air Worldwide and DHL Express have announced the end of their joint venture, Polar Air Cargo, after 17 years of operation. The decision comes as both companies have determined that the venture no longer aligns with their respective strategic goals.
A spokesperson for Atlas Air confirmed that the joint venture is being dissolved but did not provide a definitive closure date. The spokesperson stated: “Atlas and DHL have mutually agreed that the joint venture no longer fits with the strategic direction of either shareholder company.”
Polar’s fleet currently includes four Boeing 747-8 freighters and two Boeing 777 freighters, down from four 777 freighters a year ago. Following the closure, Atlas will continue utilizing some of Polar’s freighters for DHL Express flights, while the remaining aircraft will be redeployed within Atlas’s operations.
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The spokesperson added: “Certain operations and positions will shift to Atlas and others to DHL, ensuring a seamless transition and continued exceptional service to Polar’s customers. Atlas will maintain the Polar certificate and is pleased to extend its partnership with DHL Express. We will continue to provide outsourced CMI service on the two 777 freighters that were previously operated by Polar, under a new extended agreement.”
Atlas also confirmed that the four 747-8F freighters currently serving DHL under the joint venture would be redirected to other long-term agreements with Atlas customers. The closure of Polar is in line with Atlas Air’s broader corporate strategy, dubbed the “One Atlas Strategy,” which focuses on direct shippers, major e-commerce platforms, express carriers, airlines, freight forwarders, and ocean shipping companies.
“Our ‘One Atlas’ strategy represents a focused transformation and diversification model, positioning Atlas as a leader in outsourced aviation logistics,” the company added. “With a global footprint, scalable network, and the best team in the industry, Atlas is solidifying its leadership position.”
Founded in 2007, Polar Air Cargo is headquartered in White Plains, New York, with Atlas Air holding a 51% stake and DHL Express owning the remaining 49%. Prior to the closure, the airline served a wide network across Asia, Europe, and North America, including key hubs in Shanghai, Shenzhen, Tokyo, Seoul, and Leipzig, among others. Polar’s services covered a variety of industries, including automotive, perishables, machinery, and dangerous goods.
While Polar faced challenges in the past, including fraud charges against former staff members, the airline has undergone a management overhaul and continues to operate under new leadership.
