Atlas Air Orders Two Boeing 777-200LRF Freighters to Meet Growing Demand
Atlas Air Worldwide has announced its order for two new Boeing 777-200LRF Freighters. This strategic move is driven by the continuous strong demand from customers seeking dedicated large widebody airfreight capacity, especially for cross-border e-commerce shipping.
The two new 777 Freighters, booked earlier in the quarter, are scheduled for delivery in the second half of 2024. This decision reinforces Atlas Air’s commitment to expanding its 777F platform, offering cutting-edge aircraft and services to its customers, and creating additional long-haul flight opportunities for its pilots.
As previously revealed, the Company had ordered four 777 Freighters in 2021. These aircraft are placed under a long-term ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance, insurance) agreement with MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company SA. Three of them have already been delivered, and the fourth 777 is anticipated to arrive in December 2023.
Michael Steen, Chief Executive Officer of Atlas Air Worldwide, expressed enthusiasm about this addition to their world-class fleet. He emphasized the timing of this acquisition, as older widebody freighters retire, and new capacity remains limited. Steen also noted a strong pipeline of potential customers interested in these 777 Freighters, highlighting their confidence in securing long-term agreements.
The investment aligns with Atlas Air’s commitment to environmental stewardship. The new 777 Freighters, recognized as the highest payload and longest-range twin-engine freighter, offer enhanced reliability, reduced fuel consumption, emissions reduction, and a smaller noise footprint.
Brad McMullen, Boeing Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing, emphasized the longstanding relationship with Atlas Air and praised the 777 Freighter as one of the most capable twin-engine freighters globally. He highlighted its capacity, fuel efficiency, and operational flexibility as key advantages for moving cargo efficiently.
Atlas Air Worldwide is a prominent global provider of outsourced aircraft and aviation operating services. It encompasses Atlas Air, Inc., Titan Aviation Holdings, Inc., and holds the majority stake in Polar Air Cargo Worldwide, Inc. Their fleet includes the world’s largest number of 747 Freighter aircraft, offering a wide range of Boeing 747, 777, 767, and 737 aircraft for domestic, regional, and international cargo and passenger operations.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, atlasair.com