DHL Express to expand at CVG Airport with $192mn investment

DHL Express, a global leader in international express shipping, will expand its current operations at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) in Boone County with a $192 million investment creating 86 jobs.

“Kentucky has one of the strongest distribution and logistics sectors in the country, and DHL plays a major role in that success,” says Governor Andy Beshear. “The commonwealth’s ideal geographic location and access to resources make it incredibly easy for companies to reach their consumer base in a timely and efficient manner. I want to thank DHL for their continued commitment to Kentucky and look forward to many more years of their success here in the commonwealth.”

The investment will include the development of a new 305,200-square-foot aircraft maintenance facility on a 50-acre site located south of and adjacent to DHL’s current CVG Airport hub, says an official release. The project will also include the addition of eight new aircraft gates at its current ramp to support CVG hub operations and repurpose the existing aviation and line maintenance space in Building 3. The project will boost the company’s total Kentucky employment to over 3,800.

“Our Americas hub at CVG is one of three DHL global superhubs and completes the backbone of our intercontinental network,” says Mike Parra, CEO, DHL Express, Americas region. “With its strategic location at the heart of our U.S. network, the CVG hub plays a vital role in our regional operations and the service we provide to our customers. We are honoured and excited to be able to continue investing in the state, expanding our footprint, and adding a carbon-neutral, state-of-the-art facility for the maintenance operations of our growing fleet.”

DHL established its global Americas air hub at CVG in 2009, and it sits at the heart of the DHL U.S. network with 130 daily flights and a fleet of 60 aircraft. It is also one of three DHL global superhubs - the other two based in Hong Kong and Germany. The CVG hub handles shipments bound for the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Latin America, processing approximately 50 million international shipments annually.

“DHL is a valued long-time partner, and we’re pleased they continue to invest at CVG," says Candace McGraw, CEO, CVG Airport. "DHL’s global superhub is an integral part of our regional and state economy. Its success is contingent on having the facilities and workforce able to serve the global air cargo industry, and this development aligns with our vision to expand aircraft maintenance and support services on campus.”