Atlas Air has taken delivery of a B777-200 freighter, which it will operate on behalf of MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company as part of a previously announced long-term ACMI agreement.

This aircraft is the first of four new B777 freighters that Atlas will operate for MSC.

Representatives from Boeing, Atlas, and MSC participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony.

The B777-200F will complement MSC’s container shipping solutions and expand service to key trade lanes for various industries, including those which traditionally have significant air cargo transportation needs.

“We are looking forward to this partnership with MSC, the world’s largest shipping company, as they enter into air cargo,” said John Dietrich, President and chief executive officer, Atlas Air Worldwide.

He added: “We are pleased that all four of our newly acquired 777-200Fs are placed on a long-term basis with MSC, providing them with dedicated capacity to support their growth and expansion.”

Said Jannie Davel, Senior Vice President Air Cargo at MSC: “We are delighted to see the first of our MSC-branded aircraft take to the skies and we are looking forward to start serving the market with our new Air Cargo solution.

“We believe that MSC Air Cargo is developing from a solid foundation thanks to the reliable ongoing support of our operating partner Atlas.”