The North American cargo company Atlas Air secured three freighters Boeing 747-8 through a long-term finance lease agreement with BOC Aviation. On August 22, 2024, the Atlas Air Worldwide reported that the contract was a response to “strong global demand for wide-body airlift capacity”, driven by the expansion of e-commerce.
“Atlas is the world’s largest operator of 747 freighters, and we are excited 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, CEO of Atlas Air Worldwide. “Our growth in this aircraft type underscores Atlas’ commitment to the 747 freighter platform and the value it provides to our customers, including significant payload capacity and unique nose loading capabilities.”
Designed exclusively as a freighter, the 747-8F is not a enger jet conversion. Its distinctive nose, which opens and closes for easy loading, makes it instantly recognizable at global airports.
A Atlas Air Worldwide announced, in January 2024, that it had received a fourth Boeing 777 freighter, which will be operated on behalf of the client MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company. In July this year, BOC Aviation informed about an agreement signed with the Air Canada for the delivery of eight new aircraft Boeing 737MAX 8.
The three freighters Boeing 747 of Atlas are expected to begin operations next month, reinforcing a fleet made up of 17 747-8Fs, 39 747-400Fs, five enger 747-400s and four LCFs.
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