Atlas Air Expands Cargo Capacity with Addition of Three Boeing 747-8 Freighters
Atlas Air Worldwide announced on August 22 that it is bolstering its fleet with the addition of three Boeing 747-8 freighters to address the growing global demand for large widebody airfreight capacity, especially in cross-border e-commerce shipping. These new freighters, secured through long-term finance lease agreements with BOC Aviation, are slated to commence operations towards the end of the third quarter of 2024.
Michael Steen, Chief Executive Officer of Atlas Air Worldwide, expressed enthusiasm about the expansion, stating, “Atlas is the world’s largest operator of 747 freighters, and we are thrilled to expand our widebody fleet with these three 747-8Fs, following the four 747-400Fs we acquired and placed with customers under long-term agreements earlier this year.” He highlighted the strategic importance of the 747-freighter platform for its significant payload capacity and unique nose-loading capability, which are crucial for Atlas Air’s operations and customer service.
The decision to acquire additional 747-8Fs underscores Atlas Air’s commitment to maintaining a leading position in the freight sector by investing in the most capable and technologically advanced aircraft. “Demand remains strong for dedicated large widebody freighters, and with our robust pipeline, we will place these planes with customers under attractive long-term agreements,” added Steen.
Steven Townend, CEO and Managing Director of BOC Aviation, also commented on the partnership, “Atlas manages the world’s largest fleet of Boeing 747 freighter aircraft and is ideally placed to partner with us in the operation of these latest generation aircraft.” He noted that the transaction underscores BOC Aviation’s capability to provide tailored capacity solutions to airline customers amidst record-high global airfreight volumes.
The Boeing 747-8 freighter is celebrated as the most advanced and environmentally friendly widebody freighter available, offering a 20% increase in payload capacity over its predecessor, the 747-400F, and 25% more capacity than the 777-200LRF. It also boasts a 16% reduction in fuel consumption compared to the 747-400F, aligning with industry trends towards more sustainable aviation practices. The 747-8 is notably the only factory-built freighter featuring a nose-loading capability, a critical advantage for handling diverse and voluminous cargo loads.
With this expansion, Atlas Air Worldwide strengthens its leadership in the airfreight sector, showcasing a commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. The company’s fleet now includes 65 Boeing 747s, positioning it as the world’s premier operator of this iconic freighter model.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, Atlas Air, BOC Aviation