Leading logistics service provider DB Schenker has commenced its one-of-a-kind Flight Operations in the Indian logistics industry, providing a direct flight connecting Chennai to Munich and Chicago (wheels up-wheels down in less than 23 hours).
The weekly flight operations initiative is the second offering under DB Schenker in India, part of the Global Flight Operations Program which further marks the company’s prowess in Air Freight services in India.
Boeing 747 freighters will be used for the service to transport cargo between India, Europe, and the US (Munich—Chennai—Chicago RFD).
Cargo carried on the flights will include healthcare and temperature-sensitive pharma, e-consumer, automotive and industrial products
This would not have been possible without the support from the Airport Authority of India Cargo Logistics and Allied Services Company Limited (AAICLAS).
“It is a proud moment for us that today at Chennai airport we have added one of the largest global freight forwarders as our customer in India by connecting India to Europe and the US.”
~ Keku Bomi Gazdar, CEO of AAICLAS
To keep the Air Freight supply chain stable during the pandemic, DB Schenker in India deployed over 100 charters to augment capacity challenges for our health care, pharma, and other industry verticals. The company efficiently deployed weekly flight operations for both Imports & Exports between West India and the United States and Europe.
The new B747F “flight operations” initiative is aimed at simplifying the logistics services of the fast-growing industries in India such as healthcare, retail & consumer, automotive, and industrial offering seamless capacity to support customers. The cargo will be secured from departure to arrival with no extra handling requirement during the transit.
The temperature-sensitive cargo in the ULD’s will be covered with protective material to maintain the temperature in transit from Chennai (MAA). Door-to-Door transit time via DB Schenker in India flight operations would remain 3 – 4 days approximately for Europe & US-bound shipments.
“The introduction of our second flight operations is a significant step towards reinforcing our Global Flight Operations Program to meet the growing logistics demand of the customers in India. Our flight operations initiative started in early 2020 was highly appreciated by the customers. We are continuing the operations in 2021 also by introducing newer routes, offering timely and streamlined last-mile deliveries to customers.”
~ Vishal Sharma, CEO of the Cluster India and Indian Sub-Continent, DB Schenker
DB Schenker in India Air Freight commenced frequent full charter & flight operations in 2020 to overcome capacity shortages and peak demand during the global outbreak of the COVID – 19 pandemic. It is 100% owned by Deutsche Bahn Group (Euro 44.43 Billion),
DB Schenker’s Chicago RFD—Munich—Tokyo—Seoul air charter service was launched last month.
Last year, DB Schenker rapidly expanded its air cargo charter network as it looked to tackle capacity shortages caused by the grounding of passenger flights.
In 2020, the number of flights controlled and marketed by DB Schenker rose to a record high.
“Many of the new connections were initially established to substitute missing passenger flights,” DB Schenker said. “This continues in 2021. In addition, medical supply products will remain an important driver for air capacity demand. General air cargo volumes for automotive equipment and consumer goods are increasing while the capacity-shortage prevails.
“With the extended flight portfolio, DB Schenker also creates additional capacities for potential Covid-19 vaccine transportation demand.”
