Central Airlines (I9, Haikou) has signed a letter of intent with DHL Express to operate two B777-200Fs on behalf of the global logistics business. The deal marks the first time DHL has handed over its aircraft to a Chinese cargo operator.
"The signing of the letter of intent is an important milestone in the process of establishing a partnership and promoting the agreement between the two parties," said the CEO of DHL Express China, Wu Dongming, in a July 10, 2024, media statement. "It is also another important measure for DHL Express to invest in and deepen the Chinese market and establish and deepen partnerships with domestic companies."
The two aircraft will join the Central Airlines fleet later this year which may also add its first B777-300(ERSF) in 2025 or 2026. The ch-aviation PRO airlines module shows Central Airlines flies to 22 airports in China, Malaysia, Japan, Thailand, Viet Nam, and the Philippines with a fleet of ten aircraft, including three B737-300(F)s, five B737-800(BCF)s, and two B777Fs.
"China is not only the world's factory but also a global market," said Travis Cobb, DHL Express's Vice President of Global Network Operations and Aviation. "It has always been the largest shipping country on DHL Express's North American trans-Pacific trade route and the largest trading partner of Europe. The partnership with Central Airlines is part of our long-term investment in routes in China."
