The Hut Group (THG) has entered a new partnership with Singapore Airlines that will allow the retail group to take control of its own shipping. THG will purchase two of its own dedicated cargo planes and charter over 100 flights by the end of October 2020, operating out of Manchester Airport where the brand is based.

“The recent disruption across the airline industry has brought huge challenges in the movement of goods across the globe,” THG’s founder and Chief Executive Matthew Moulding said. “This led us to accelerate our trials for dedicated cargo planes to link together our own global manufacturing and distribution centres.”

Since the beginning of the year, THG has been running successful trials, using dedicated cargo flights to service its global operations, especially across the Asia region.

“These trials have proved a great success, resulting in today’s partnership with Singapore Airlines. The trials have also given us the confidence to supplement this partnership with the launch of two of our own cargo planes, under the livery of ‘THG Air,'” Moulding said.

He continued, “The partnership with Singapore Airlines places us in the strong position of having secured routes from UK to Asia for the foreseeable future, enabling us to keep our supply chain moving and delivering goods—including essential items such as vitamins, personal care and hygiene products. Navigating the current crisis by forming these partnerships is an integral part of our strategy for THG Air, which will cement our standing as a global leader in e-commerce and technology and brings us closer to millions of customers.”

Sherine Teo, Vice President of Digital and E-Commerce Logistics, Singapore Airlines, said, “We welcome this partnership with THG, which facilitates the movement of goods across Asia and supports global supply chains. This collaboration will leverage Singapore Airlines’ flight network to ensure timely and efficient supply and delivery of THG goods to its customers.”