Who would have imagined, back in 2019, that a sea freight giant would begin operating its own cargo airline at some point? And yet, here we are in 2023, and Maersk Air Cargo has been actively flying since just over a year and has now selected dnata to handle its cargo over at Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN). The multi-year cargo contract wherein dnata agrees to provide quality and safe cargo handling services to the airline at CGN, was signed on 30NOV23. Maersk foresees around 6000 tons of cargo on board of its weekly flights between Cologne and Greenville (GSP) in the USA. They are operated using a Magma Boeing 747-400F aircraft and are set to increase in frequency and thus also available market capacity, soon. No problem for dnata, which already handles around ten times that amount at CGN Airport, where it exclusively manages the 12,000 m² Cologne Bonn Cargo Centre. dnata acquired the center’s operator in 2022, and now employees a team of 100 staff to serve its 20 airline customers. Maersk will be served by its own dedicated dnata team at Germany’s third largest cargo airport. Like Maersk Air Cargo, the airport, too, has potential for growth and the good fortune to be allowed to operate 24 hours a day, offers a good road connection and is conveniently located (Northwest Europe) to serve a number of key markets.
Stef van Binst, Managing Director, dnata Belgium and Germany, said: “We are proud that Maersk has chosen dnata as its trusted provider for safe, reliable, and efficient cargo handling services. This significant contract win is a testament to our Cologne team’s hard work and unwavering commitment to service excellence. We look forward to a successful partnership with our newest customer in Germany.”
