Friday, August 23, 2024 Atlas Air Worldwide, a premier provider of outsourced aviation logistics, is set to enhance its fleet with the addition of three Boeing 747-8 freighters. This strategic move is aimed at addressing the growing global demand for expansive widebody airfreight capacity, especially in the realm of cross-border e-commerce shipping. The new 747-8Fs, acquired through long-term finance lease agreements with BOC Aviation, are scheduled to be operational by late Q3 2024.
This expansion underscores Atlas Air Worldwide’s commitment to meeting the increasing needs of the international airfreight market. “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,” said Michael Steen , Atlas Air Worldwide Chief Executive Officer. “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.
” Mr. Steen continued, “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. 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.
” “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,” said Steven Townend, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, BOC Aviation. “As global airfreight volumes hit record highs this transaction highlights our ability to provide capacity solutions to a wide variety of airline customers.” The 747-8 freighter stands out as the most advanced, capable, and eco-friendly widebody freighter available today.
Offering the highest load capacity in its class, the 747-8F boasts a 20% increase in payload over the 747-400F and 25% more capacity compared to the 777-200LRF. Its fuel consumption is also 16% lower than the 747-400F. Unique among freighters, the 747-8F is the only model with factory-built nose-loading capability, catering to the evolving needs of the airfreight industry.
Atlas Air Worldwide leads the industry as the largest operator of Boeing 747 freighters, with a fleet of 65 aircraft that includes 17 747-8Fs, 39 747-400Fs, five passenger 747-400s, and four Large Cargo Freighters (LCFs)..
