Kuehne + Nagel launched its first branded freighter on Wednesday, expanding its controlled air cargo network, the new capacity will enter a weak market that is in the middle of a non-existent peak season.

The Boeing 747-8F is the first of two such freighters chartered by Atlas Airlines for a long time, and the second cargo plane carrying subsidiary Apex Logistics paint will be delivered in the first quarter of next year. Together, these planes will add nearly 280 tons of cargo capacity to the Forwardernet.com.

In May this year, in order to cope with the development of the capacity market, Kuehne + Nagel will charter the full and exclusive capacity of two new B747-8F aircraft from the third and fourth quarters of 2022 to operate these flights worldwide. The aircraft will support Kuehne + Nagel customers to fly on unstable trade routes, such as trans-Pacific routes. Compared with the powerful 747-400F, the payload of 747-8F is increased by 20%, and the fuel consumption is reduced by 16%.

The two cargo planes leased by K + N are the last two delivered by Boeing because the aircraft manufacturer closed the production line of 747 aircraft.

2021 is a bumper year for air cargo companies, with new highs in revenue, profits and volume. It is also a year of ranking changes, with Kuehne + Nagel at the top of the list.

K + N said: "2021 the limited global freight capacity, the aviation logistics business department needs to provide customized solutions.". "Demand for K + N services in areas such as pharmaceuticals, basic goods and e-commerce remains strong. This has enabled the business unit to gain a huge market share."

the company added: "2021, the increased demand for air transport services is due both to a solid economic rebound and to the challenges of the maritime supply chain. In addition, the long-term low capacity availability in the hinterland due to the low frequency of passenger travel has also led to insufficient capacity and high freight rates in the air transport market.
Yngve Ruud, member of Kuehne + Nagel Management Committee, commented: "As a market leader in air cargo, Kuehne + Nagel has further expanded its dedicated charter network to provide customers with long-term planning and high-quality service solutions.

In addition, Kuehne + Nagel has recently established a long-term strategic partnership with Pepco. The Europe-based company, a leading fast-growing retailer offering clothing and household products for the entire family at very low prices, has been operating in the Romanian market since 2015.

's partnership with Pepco will start in 2023 and will need to provide warehousing and automation services for end-to-end distribution in Romania, Bulgaria and Greece.

Kuehne + Nagel will also handle all warehousing, picking and loading for the stores currently opened in these three countries. The site will employ more than 250 staff and a first-class push sorter will assist in day-to-day operations.

The stable restoration of abdominal space is good news for air cargo shippers, but the deteriorating economic environment is slowing the growth of cargo volume. The air cargo season has yet to come.