DHL Express to Deploy 12 All-Electric Cargo Planes to United States in 2024

DHL Express will deploy 12 all-electric cargo planes Alice eCargo d’Eviation Aircraft in 2024, primarily to UNITED STATES.

“The current plan is to begin by establishing several zero-carbon networks across the United States. Then these electrical delivery networks could be established anywhere in the world“, said a spokeswoman for the world leader in freight transport services, during the Sustainable Logistics Era Global Summit 2023 last week in Valencia, Spain.

Piloted by a single pilot, the Alice is a 100% electric plane 9-seater developed by the Israeli start-up Eviation Aircraft. Its cargo version, quite logically baptized Alice eCargo, will be able to carry a 1130 kg loadwill need 30 minutes or less of charging per flight hour, and will have a maximum range of 460 kilometers. The first units will be delivered to DHL Express, the launch company, in 2024. Composed of 95% composite material, the Alice “will operate in all environments currently served by conventional aircraft“, according to DHL Express. Its electric motorshave fewer moving parts, increasing reliability and reducing maintenance costs“, and its piloting software continuously monitors flight performance”to ensure optimal efficiency“.

In addition, DHL Express announced the acquisition from JeTran Air of nine Boeing 777-200LRwhich will be converted by Mammoth Freighters into freighters and will replace Boeing 747Fs in its fleet from 2024. With a load capacity of 102 tons and a range of 9,200 kilometers, the 777F has the largest capacity and the longest range of any twin-engine cargo aircraft, and “is more reliable than older 747s“, according to German specialist in freight transport. The 777F is also more fuel efficient and reduces CO2 emissions by 18% compared to older generation freighters.

“By modernizing our intercontinental fleet, we can both strengthen our proven ability to meet growing demand, improve our environmental footprint and provide quality service to our customers. We look forward to continuing to demonstrate to our partners and customers how these advancements improve our service and bring us closer to our sustainability roadmap goals.“said Robert Hyslop, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Aviation at DHL Express.

Last year, the German freight forwarding specialist also managed to book more than 830 million liters of sustainable aviation fuel (Sustainable Aviation Fuel, SAF) for its air fleet until 2026. On the ground, it deployed more than 30,000 electric cars and trucks -which represent 60% of its global fleet of delivery vehicles. “Faced with the challenges of the climate emergency, there is no doubt that sustainability must be the priority. By working collectively for cleaner and greener logistics, I am convinced that we will succeed in creating sustainable supply chains.“, said Katja Busch, Commercial Director and Head of Customer Solutions & Innovations at DHL Express.