DB Schenker used charter cargo flights to help Indian pharma clients during Covid-19

September 8, 2020: The global leading logistics service provider, DB Schenker, today announced the success of its charter operation which started in April to extend supply chain support to customers in the healthcare and pharmaceuticals industry in India.

Keeping the movement of commodities stable, so far Schenker India has efficiently deployed weekly charters for both imports and exports between India and the US, Europe and Asian countries.

DB Schenker Air Freight has commenced frequent full charter flights earlier this year to overcome capacity shortages and peak demand during the global outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. In total, DB Schenker provided 1190 flights to secure capacities for its customers in the challenging market environment. Among these were 72 flights of DB Schenker’s China Shuttle, that were installed with converted Boeing 767 passenger aeroplanes by cooperation partner Icelandair.

The reduced passenger capacity and cancellations of cargo freighters created an opportunity for the industry to commence active charter offerings in these unprecedented times. To keep the supply chain resilient, DB Schenker’s complex operation of the charter in India supports customers in the manufacturing of vaccines, personal protective equipment and health care equipment. Operating a combination of B747F, A330F and B737F to and from India, Schenker India also provides weekly charters from India via Europe to Latin America and connections to China, Hong Kong, Thailand and Singapore. For timely and quick deliveries, the complete process from charter enquiry to shipment arrival takes only five days.

Vishal Sharma, CEO, Cluster India and Indian Sub-Continent, DB Schenker, said, “Charter operations are our endeavour to overcome the supply chain disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and meet the customers’ growing demand for the supply of essentials. Our preparedness with the business continuity plans allowed us to schedule exclusive full charter flights with reliable air cargo solutions to importers and exporters in the country. India is a priority market for DB Schenker globally and with our Global Flight Operations Program we enable our customers in India to keep their supply chains stable.”

Our Global Flight Operations Program connects Mumbai with Frankfurt, Chicago, Atlanta (wheels up-wheels down in 29hrs) and Dubai (DXB-BOM only) on a weekly basis with guaranteed uplift and capacity. Our extensive network in Europe allows us to connect entire Central Europe within 24 hours upon arrival of our freighter in FRA.