DB Schenker has extended its flight network in response to Covid-19, with the first three-continent routes in company history taking off.

Own-controlled flights now connect America, Europe and Asia directly, with the first of two routings touching three continents departing Munich Airport in Germany this week.

DB Schenker said the offer comes in addition to the commercial block space agreements it holds with airlines, and is “a reaction to the ongoing lack of freight capacity on passenger flights”. The 43 weekly flights can transport as much cargo as 135 widebody passenger aircraft would hold, according to the company.

“As air passenger travel is still far from recovery, we have decided to create new and reliable cargo options for our customers,” said DB Schenker member of the management board for air and ocean freight Thorsten Meincke.

“I am especially excited about our new routes via Munich Airport. Our existing and strong flight network will become even more global.”

As of this week, the first new route runs from Chicago via Munich to Tokyo and Seoul before flying back to Germany and from there again to the US. It is operated by National Airlines and offers a combined weekly transport capacity of 400 tons.

The second connection will be launched at the end of February and alternates from Munich to Chennai and Chicago, with a combined weekly capacity of 300 tons. Both routes will run for one year.