StarTrack to launch air freight network

Internet Retailing

3rd May 2016

First drones, now air freighters.

Qantas Freight and Australia Post have signed a five year deal to establish a domestic air-freighter network to be used exclusively by Australia Post and StarTrack customers.

Under the deal, which is valued in excess of $500 million, six StarTrack-branded freighter aircraft will be used to transport Australia Post’s domestic mail, parcels and express post until mid-2020.

From July 2016, the network will service nine destinations across the east and west coast of Australia.

“This strategic alliance creates a greater opportunity for us to be first to deliver for our customers, combining our unrivalled delivery network and existing freight network with a dedicated and flexible air network,” said Ahmed Fahour, MD and CEO of Australia Post.

“This is great news for local businesses, manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers and all e-commerce companies. When they choose Australia Post and StarTrack, they will have the support to grow with access to the best air freight network.”

Five of the dedicated StarTrack freighters will come from Qantas Freight’s existing fleet, with a soon to be delivered sixth larger aircraft, a Boeing 737-400, joining the fleet.

Qantas Group CEO, Alan Joyce, said the new arrangement focused on providing a fast, reliable and more efficient service to Australia Post and StarTrack.

“We’re thrilled to provide Australia Post with a dedicated freighter network for their domestic customers,” Joyce said. “This builds on the strong relationship that has existed between the national carrier and the nation’s postal service since 1922 when Qantas first started flying airmail.

“Our transformation program has sharpened the efficiency and flexibility of our freight business, and sharing these benefits with customers is part of our competitive edge. Our focus in designing this agreement is to help our biggest freight customer better coordinate their supply chain and ultimately deliver a better service to their customers.”