US cargo airline Atlas Air has secured the services of three Boeing 747-8 Freighters through a long-term finance lease agreement with lessor BOC Aviation.
On August 22, 2024, Atlas Air Worldwide declared that the agreement came in response to “strong global demand for dedicated large widebody airfreight capacity,” driven by a surge in the e-commerce sector.
The three Boeing 747 Freighters are expected to enter service next month, adding to a fleet that already includes 17 747-8Fs, 39 747-400Fs, five passenger 747-400s, and four Large Cargo Freighters (LCFs).
“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,” Michael Steen, Atlas Air Worldwide CEO, said. “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 747-8F is a purpose-built freighter rather than a reconfigured passenger jet. It is instantly recognizable at airports worldwide by its distinctive nose that opens and closes for easy loading.
Steen added: “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.”
In January 2024, Atlas Air Worldwide announced that it had taken delivery of a fourth Boeing 777 Freighter, which the airline will operate on behalf of its customer MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company.
“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,” Steven Townend, CEO and Managing Director at BOC Aviation, said. “As global airfreight volumes hit record highs this transaction highlights our ability to provide capacity solutions to a wide variety of airline customers.”
In July 2024, BOC Aviation announced an agreement with Air Canada to deliver eight brand-new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.
