Atlas Air Worldwide and DHL have announced they will be closing their joint venture, Polar Air Cargo, after 17 years of operations.

The decision comes as both companies shift their strategic priorities, although an exact date for the closure has yet to be confirmed.

A spokesperson for Atlas Air Worldwide stated that the joint venture no longer aligns with the strategic direction of either shareholder company.

Despite Polar Air Cargo’s closure, Atlas will continue to operate some of its freighters for DHL Express, while the remaining aircraft will be redeployed within Atlas’s global operations.

Polar currently operates a fleet of four Boeing 747-8 freighters and two Boeing 777 freighters, down from four 777Fs last year.

Atlas confirmed that it would retain Polar’s operating certificate while continuing to support DHL Express under an extended outsourced agreement for two 777Fs.

Meanwhile, the four 747-8Fs previously operated for DHL will now be redeployed with other Atlas customers under long-term agreements.

Atlas Air also highlighted that the closure of Polar Air Cargo aligns with its ‘One Atlas Strategy’, a business model focused on diversifying its customer base.

This strategy includes working with direct shippers, e-commerce platforms, express carriers, airlines, freight forwarders, and ocean shipping companies.

“With an unmatched global footprint, scalable network, and the best team in the industry, Atlas is strengthening its position as the world leader in outsourced aviation logistics,” the company said.

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