DHL Airways Agrees to Buy 7 Airbus Aircraft

DHL Airways Inc. said it agreed to buy seven used Airbus Industrie passenger aircraft and have them converted into freighters. The purchase would be DHL’s first from Airbus. Most of the planes in the freight company’s fleet are made by either Boeing Co. or McDonnell Douglas Corp. The price of the aircraft has yet to be determined, said DHL spokesman Dave Fonkalsrud. It will be set after DHL chooses a company to convert the jetliners to freighters. Airbus will start deliveries in the second half of 1998. DHL Airways is a closely held freight company based in Redwood Shores. It has its aircraft hub in Cincinnati and is affiliated with DHL International Ltd. of Brussels. Together, they make up DHL Worldwide Express.