Amid Increased Cargo Demand, Boeing's Faithful Workhorse  Remains Popular

Boeing received another order for its 767 Freighter from long time customer UPS.

The sale marks another notch in the continuous popularity of the staid, beloved pack mule of the air cargo industry. The order for 19 freighters proves that while aging, the 767 isn't going anywhere soon especially with Boeing's own in-house outlook forecasting an annual 4% increase in air cargo demand for the next two decades. 

This year has been very good to Boeing's freighter offerings, bringing in 80 firm orders for brand new widebody aircraft, as well as 80 orders for converted freighters. The post-pandemic economy has seen continuous growth in cargo demand, with no signs that the surge will ever recede. Boeing's senior VP of commercial sales and marketing, Ihssane Mounir, says that UPS was the first to recognize the innate utility of the 767, buying the first off the line in 1997 only to enjoy it so much they ordered 90 more. "Since the program was launched, UPS has recognized the value of the 767 Freighter and utilized the airplane's outstanding cargo capabilities throughout its network," he said in a statement regarding the sale.

"These new jets will enable UPS to meet expected near-term and long-term cargo demand with the proven economics, reliability and flexibility that are synonymous with the 767 Freighter." 

The 767-300ER can haul up to 52.4 tons of cargo with international range, while still offering modest fuel thirst to be pushed into service in regional and feeder markets when needed. UPS operations president Nando Cesarone called the plane "the most versatile aircraft we operate," saying his company doesn't see it going anywhere soon. "Our plan to purchase 19 aircraft and take delivery between 2023 and 2025 aligns with the strategy and capital expenditure forecast shared during our June 2021 Investor and Analyst Day. It also supports our sustainability efforts by making our fleet more efficient and improving reliability," he said.

FMI: www.boeing.com, www.ups.com