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Aug 08, 2022 (newstodate): The new cargo carrier Maersk Air Cargo is moving forward in its plans for opening its operational base at Denmark's Billund Airport.
   -There are still issues to be negotiated and settled, but the process is well underway in a constructive dialogue with Billund Airport, says Peter Corfitsen, Maersk Air Cargo CEO.
   -The process includes rental of office space, crew rest areas and facilities and establishing an own line maintenance team for the three Boeing 767-300ER freighters to be based at the airport.
   -The final decision on ground handling of the cargo traffic is also still pending, but we expect Billund Airport to come up with a proposal for Cargo Center Billund to provide servicing of the operation.
   -The three aircraft are currently undergoing conversion from passenger to cargo version by Israel Aerospace Industries, and we expect to take delivery of two converted aircraft before the end of this year, with the third to follow in 2023. If everything goes as planned, the first Boeing 767 freighter may thus enter commercial service with Maersk Air Cargo before year-end.
   -While the aircraft may serve both Asian and North American markets, the most acute need for capacity is seen in the Europe-Asia segment, that will thus take priority from the start.  
   -The closure of the Russian airspace is of course one factor to be taken into account; but operating the Boeing 767 freighter will in any case need one en-route technical stop depending on the final destination, which makes bypassing Russian airspace less of an obstacle.
   -Our focus will be on providing Maersk Group companies with air cargo capacity as part of total integrated transport and logistics solutions, with the option of offering remaining excess capacity to external customers. Sales will be provided by Maersk companies around the world, while some cargo GSA contracts may be signed as needed in markets outside the Maersk Group's own reach, says Mr Corfitsen.
   With effect from August 1, 2022, the HQs of Maersk Air Cargo has moved from its earlier location at Copenhagen Airport to the Copenhagen suburb of Lyngby where the Group also houses various non-aviation companies including Maersk Drilling and others.