Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear highlighted continued momentum of the state’s logistics sector as DHL Express announced the groundbreaking of the company’s new state-of-the-art aviation maintenance facility in Northern Kentucky, a $292 million investment creating 300 new, full-time jobs.
“I am thrilled to support DHL’s continued growth in our state,” said Gov. Beshear. “This expansion not only brings new jobs to the region but also strengthens Kentucky’s position as the premier logistics hub in the United States. Thank you to the leaders at DHL for their continued commitment to the commonwealth.”
The project, which has increased in scope since it was originally announced in July 2023 as a $192 million investment, will include the construction of a 305,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art aviation maintenance facility and expanded aircraft apron at the company’s Global Hub at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG). The new operation will enable more efficient repairs, reducing aircraft downtime and improving service reliability to support timely customer deliveries. The expansion of the aircraft apron will allow for the accommodation of more aircraft, increasing the capability to handle a larger volume of shipments. Additionally, the facility will allow for the weatherproofing of line maintenance activities that will accommodate maintenance tasks for DHL’s fleet of 737s, 767s, and 777s.
“Our customers are at the heart of everything we do, and the new maintenance facility at our CVG Global Hub is a testament to that commitment,” said Andrew Williams, CEO, DHL Express Americas. “By enhancing our operational capabilities, we are not only reducing delays and ensuring faster service but also expanding our capacity to meet the growing needs of our customers with even greater efficiency and reliability.”
DHL Express is part of DHL Group, headquartered in Bonn, Germany, and is a global leader in mail, delivery and logistics. With approximately 395,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling sustainable global trade flows. In 2009, DHL established its global Americas air hub at CVG and has continued to grow nearly every year since. DHL’s CVG hub currently operates on 194 acres with 67 aircraft parking gates and 6.4 million square feet of ramp area. The operation sits at the heart of the DHL Express network with 117 daily flights and a fleet of 64 aircraft, connecting customers from more than 220 countries and territories worldwide to every corner of the U.S., and is one of three DHL global superhubs, with the other two based in Hong Kong and Germany.
Candace McGraw, CEO at CVG, highlighted the longstanding partnership with the company: “DHL is a valued long-time partner, and we’re pleased they continue to invest at CVG. DHL’s Global Superhub is an integral part of our regional and state economy. Its ongoing success requires having the facilities and workforce able to serve the global air cargo industry, and this development aligns with our vision to expand aircraft maintenance and support services on campus.”
Boone County Judge/Executive Gary Moore shared that DHL’s success positively impacts Northern Kentucky: “DHL’s continued growth at CVG is integral to the prosperity of our region. I’m thrilled to see the additional investment and jobs being created by DHL for this aviation maintenance facility that will keep their fleet of planes in the air and moving cargo around the world.”
BE NKY Growth Partnership CEO Lee Crume noted that DHL’s investment and new jobs are key drivers in the Cincinnati region’s economy: “DHL is one of the largest employers in Northern Kentucky and the company’s investment of nearly $300 million at CVG and commitment to create 300 new jobs is a testament to our region’s strength in workforce, collaboration and geographical location.”