The forwarder, which is in the process of merging with Circle International, has leased a McDonnell Douglas DC-10 freighter from ACMI leasing outfit Gemini Air Cargo for dedicated lift between the US and Taiwan. The freighter flies from Taipei via Anchorage to Austin, returning via Los Angeles, Honolulu and Guam.
Over the past years EGL has competed aggressively in the US market against the overnight freighter operations of rivals Emery and BAX Global by using dedicated freighter flights from several leasing outfits, including Kitty Hawk and UPS.
EGL chairman James Crane indicated earlier this year that EGL would also use dedicated lift on international routes, although the bulk of its international freight would continue to move with commercial carriers.
Having secured commitments from hi-tech shippers to support a Taiwan freighter service for a year, EGL signed a lease with Gemini to operate twice-weekly all-cargo flights between Taipei and Austin, where cargo can be transferred to EGL's daily Boeing 727F charters into Mexico.
The contract with Gemini is for one year, but the DC-10 will be used only during the first six months; then EGL will switch to a larger McDonnell Douglas MD-11F.
According to Jason Hazen, EGL manager of air operations, the forwarder is studying the viability of serving other countries with dedicated freighters.
The takeover of Circle this summer has dramatically expanded EGL's international presence, which had been limited to eight countries outside the US.