Atlas Air has purchased four Boeing 777 Freighters, their first direct purchase of the aircraft type, growing their fleet of 777s to 18 airplanes. The order was placed in December and caps a record year for Boeing freighter sales.
On Thursday (January 6, 2022), Boeing announced that Atlas Air Worldwide has purchased four Boeing 777 Freighters. The order was placed in December, marking the first direct purchase of 777Fs by Atlas, and rounding out a record year for Boeing new-production and converted freighters. With the additionally four airplanes, Atlas Air will grow their 777 fleet to 18 aircraft. The first of the four new 777-200LRFs is expected to be delivered in November 2022, with the other three expected to be delivered throughout 2023. Boeing has forecast that the global freighter fleet will grow by 70 percent over the next 20 years, supporting the rapidly growing e-commerce business and evolving supply chains.
In Thursday’s announcement, Atlas Air Worldwide’s President and CEO, John W. Dietrich, said,
“We are excited to expand our fleet and service offerings for our existing and prospective customers with these four new 777s. With the best team in the industry as well as our focus on innovation and prudent fleet management, Atlas is serving the evolving needs of the global supply chain and delivering value for our customers. These new aircraft will advance our strategic growth plan as we continue to capitalize on strong demand for dedicated airfreight capacity. This investment aligns with our disciplined approach to deploying capital and meets our strict return guidelines when investing in aircraft. We anticipate this transaction will drive strong earnings and cash flows, and enhance shareholder value.”
Also commenting on the new freighter order, Boeing’s Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing, Ihssane Mounir, said,
“We are honored that Atlas Air Worldwide, as a global leader in airfreight, has once again selected to grow with Boeing and our freighter family. These new 777 Freighters provide Atlas with more capacity, fuel efficiency and operational flexibility for its customers. As air cargo demand continues to grow, we're confident that the efficiency, capability and flexibility of our freighter family will meet customer needs now and in the future.”
Boeing’s 777 Freighter has a range of 9,200 km (4,970 nm) and can carry a maximum payload of 102 tonnes (224,900 lbs). The airplane’s capability and exceptional efficiency offers cargo operators significant savings with fewer stops and associated landing fees. Through November 2021, Boeing had surpassed their previous freighter record with orders for 80 new production airplanes and over 80 orders for converted models. Atlas Air currently has 14 777s and is the world’s largest operator of 747 Freighters, with a fleet of 49 aircraft. The cargo and passenger carrier also operates a fleet of Boeing 737s and 767s.
The Boeing 777 and 747 Freighters have been designed to partner seamlessly by enabling operators to transfer tall and outsized cargo loads easily between the two airplanes on three-meter (10 foot) tall pallets.
Boeing (NYSE:BA) is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading supplier of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, as well as global services. The aerospace giant tops the list of the largest U.S. exporters, providing a significant positive impact to America’s annual GDP. Boeing supports government and commercial customers in over 150 countries and employs more than 160,000 team members worldwide. As Boeing continues to deliver for customers, they are committed to their legacy of aerospace leadership in technology and innovation and living the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity.
Source(s): Boeing, Atlas Air Worldwide