The first of six Boeing 767 extended-range freighter aircraft destined for DHL’s freight fleet recently completed its first commercial flight.

The six 767ERFs will replace the MD-11F aircraft currently in use and help DHL boost the on-time performance and reliability of its transatlantic services.

The aircraft has a payload capacity of 59t and a range of up to 3,700 miles.

The new aircraft will serve daily direct flights between the USA and Europe including flights between DHL Express’s major European hubs in Germany and New York.

DHL Express network operations and aviation executive vice-president Charlie Dobbie said that by introducing the Boeing 767ERF into their DHL air fleet, the company is following a smart technology approach, which aims to achieve high-efficiency gains through the use of the most modern technology available, wherever possible.

The aircraft are expected to consume 53% less fuel on each trip and 53% fewer CO2 emmisions.

The other six aircraft will join the DHL fleet by end of 2012.