All Nippon Airways orders 777-8 freighters

All Nippon Airways (ANA) has placed an order for two of Boeing’s recently launched B777-8 freighter aircraft.

The airline has converted two of its previous commitments for 20 B777-9 passenger aircraft – dating back to 2014 – into the new freighter model.

The aircraft are expected to enter service during or after ANA’s 2028 financial year.

“The announcement reflects ANA Holding’s plan to further expand its cargo business through securing large freighters,” the company said.

“The Boeing 777-8F is a state-of-the-art freighter that has the largest cargo capacity of any twin-engine aircraft, and has reduced CO2 emissions and operational costs that uses less fuel per ton.”

In the last fiscal year, ANA reported record cargo revenues as prices soared due modal shift to air because of ocean shipping issues and a recovering economy.

International cargo revenue doubled during the year to Y329bn and freight carried rose 49.1%.

ANA says it is “aggressively engaged in handling vehicle components, semiconductors, electronic devices, and medical products such as vaccines”.

The airline currently operates nine B767 freighters and two B777 freighters.

The Boeing 777-8F has a range of 8,167 km (4410 nautical miles) and a maximum payload of 118 metric tons.

Boeing launched the new 777-8 freighter in January with Qatar Airways as the launch customer. Qatar ordered 34 of the aircraft with options for a further 16 in a deal that is valued at more than $20bn based on list prices.

Also, Ethiopian has signed a Memorandum of Understanding for five of the model and Lufthansa seven.

Damian Brett www.aircargonews.net