Amazon Airlines?

Retail giant Amazon has confirmed the launch of air cargo operations in Europe after months of speculation.  But a jump into passenger services looks unlikely.

Termed an ‘e-tailer’, and with a large US-based aircraft fleet, the one-time bookseller has announced the leasing of two branded Boeing 737-800 freighters aircraft from GECAS, the aviation finance company, operated by French carrier ASL Airlines on behalf of Amazon Air.  This follows the start of operations at its first-ever regional air hub in Europe this month at the Leipzig/Halle Airport.

The site has already started to support customer deliveries with two daily flights.

“The 20,000sq m cargo facility at Leipzig/Halle Airport will create an additional connection within Amazon’s fulfilment network in Europe, bringing greater selection and more flexible delivery options at a lower price to Prime members,” Amazon said.

“This new Amazon Air operation in Europe will enable the company to continue to deliver for customers at a time when people in communities across the region are relying on having the items they need delivered directly to their doorstep.”

It has long been expected that Amazon would launch its own dedicated airline in Europe, especially since it announced plans to open the air hub at Leipzig.

The e-commerce firm has also been known to have been working with ASL over recent years, as well as DHL, which uses Leipzig as one of its hubs.

The two new aircraft will join Amazon’s existing US fleet of more than 70 aircraft operating within Amazon Air’s Prime Air global dedicated air cargo network by end of year.

www.amazon.jobs/en/teams/airplanes

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