Maersk Air Cargo (MAC) has taken delivery of the first of two B777-200F freighter aircraft from Boeing.
The aircraft handing over ceremony was held at Boeing’s headquarters in Seattle, United States, on July 11, 2024. MAC then flew the freighter to its hub at Billund Airport (BLL) in Denmark two days later.
The second B777-200F freighter is expected to be delivered in the third quarter of 2024. MAC is the first Danish Airline to own a B777 aircraft.
Maersk said the two new freighters will be deployed to the Europe-China service, initially with three weekly flights. This will later be increased to up to six weekly flights.
MAC said that as well as providing more capacity on direct routes, the 777Fs will ensure shorter transit times as well as faster handling times and quality at origin and destination.
Maersk ordered the two 777Fs in November 2021 as part of its fleet modernization. Maersk Air Cargo’s owned fleet will then comprise two B777F and 20 B767F.
“We are delighted to take this important delivery and upgrade our fleet with two of the largest and most reliable freighters available on the market. With this step we are entering the premier league of cargo aviation. The B777F can transport more than double of payload on each flight compared to our 767Fs, and it is the most fuel-efficient aircraft in the world with the GE90 engines,” Head of Maersk Air Cargo Lars Jordahn said in a statement.
Air cargo routes between China and Europe have been on the rise. According to air freight analytics site Xeneta, the average air cargo spot rate from China to Europe in the first week of April 2024 hit USD 3.94 per kg, the highest it has been so far for the year and 76% above its pre-pandemic level in 2019.
The Boeing 777F can fly up to 9,200 kilometers (4,970 nautical miles) and carry a maximum payload of 102,000 kilograms. The main deck fits pallets up to three meters high, and all cargo decks are temperature controlled.
