DHL set up cargo link to Leipzig

DHL Express has begun a new cargo operations route between Cork and DHL Express' largest European hub in Leipzig in Germany.

Post-Brexit, Ireland’s connections to mainland Europe are growing ever stronger and this is another reflection of this trend.

Initially, the new route will operate five days per week, Monday to Friday inclusive.

Niall MacCarthy, Managing Director at Cork Airport said he was delighted to welcome the DHL Express Cargo Operations to Cork Airport.

“The changes arising from Covid-19 have provided us with the opportunity to diversify our business into new areas supporting cargo, offshore gas and wind operations. The aircraft to be operated by DHL is a large wide-body and we are delighted that Cork and Munster will now have an additional five times weekly air cargo operation to serve the expanding needs of the business community of the south of Ireland. We look forward to working with our new partners DHL Express into the future,” he added.

DHL Express will offer one of the most modern and efficient freighter services in the world, operated initially by a Boeing 767 lower deck aircraft.

Mike Farrell, Operations Director at DHL Express Ireland said the Cork region continues to be a hugely important part of the DHL Express Ireland network and as volumes continue to grow both in and out of the region, it has allowed them to take the next step in their development through operating a dedicated aircraft in this sector.

He said: “This move will provide for earlier deliveries and later collections which will only serve to strengthen the commercial offer of customers within Cork.”

Condor, the German leisure airline, has leased four Boeing 767-300s to DHL to carry cargo instead of passengers. The aircraft are being used by DHL to supplement the increase in cargo capacity on a number of routes as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. One of these leased aircraft will operate on specific routes for DHL from their new operation at Cork Airport.