Company Adds Three Additional 747-8Fs

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings reported that it will be adding three Boeing 747-8 freighters to its fleet. This supports their long-term goal of expanding their widebody airfreight capacity to support international e-commerce.

“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,” commented Michael Steen, CFO of Atlas Air Worldwide. “Our growth in this aircraft type underscores Atlas’ commitment to the 747-freighter platform and the value it provides our customers, including significant payload capacity and unique nose-loading capability.”

The aircraft were secured through long-term lease agreements with BOC Aviation. This company is a successor of Singapore Aircraft Leasing Enterprise, a former global aircraft operating leasing company. They currently have a total of 680 aircraft that are owned, managed, or awaiting delivery.

Atlas Air Worldwide is the parent company of Atlas Air and Titan Aviation Holdings, along with being the majority shareholder of Polar Air Cargo Worldwide. Tallied up, their companies are responsible for the largest fleet of 747 freighters in the world. Their fleet entails 65 aircraft, including 17 747-8Fs, 39 747-400Fs, 5 passenger 747-400s, and 4 Large Cargo Freighters.

The Boeing 747-8 is becoming a popular choice for airfreight. It has a 20% greater payload capacity than the 747-400F, and 25% more than the 777-200LRF. Additionally, the 747-8 has a 16% reduction in fuel consumption over the 747-400F. It is one of the only freighters with nose-loading capabilities.

“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,” continued Steen. “Through our ongoing investments in innovation and our fleet, we continue to create additional operational flexibility, providing world-class service and acting as a trusted partner to our customers.”

The three 747-8 freighters are expected to enter service late in 2024’s third quarter.

FMI: www.atlasairworldwide.com