The Hut Group to launch ‘THG Air’ to bolster international operations

The pureplay retailer said it would look to launch ‘THG Air’ in October, following “successful trials” of the service earlier in the year.

The two planes will be operating out of Manchester Airport, near the retailer’s headquarters, and will “service THG’s global operations” with a particular focus on Asia.

The Hut Group has also announced a partnership with Singapore Airlines to charter more than 100 flights for its staff, to help reduce reliance on scheduled passenger flights, which have dwindled due to travel restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The retailer said it had seen strong international sales growth and pointed to the expansion of its ‘THG Air’ cargo service as part of its wider plans to expand its global distribution networks.

THG founder and chief executive Matthew Moulding said: “The recent disruption across the airline industry has brought huge challenges in the movement of goods across the globe. This led us to accelerate our trials for dedicated cargo planes to link together our own global manufacturing and distribution centres. 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 own cargo planes, under the livery of THG Air.

“The partnership with Singapore Airlines places us in the strong position of having secured routes from the 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 ecommerce and technology and brings us closer to millions of customers.”

Singapore Airlines vice president of digital and ecommerce logistics Sherine Teo 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.”