- Global cargo carrier’s first direct purchase of a B777 Freighter will grow its fleet to 18 B777s
- Adding capacity to meet growing e-commerce and express cargo demand
- Order caps record 2021 for Boeing freighters
Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings has ordered four new Boeing 777 freighters in response to strong customer demand for dedicated international wide-body airfreight capacity, particularly in the fast-growing e-Commerce and Express markets.
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.
Said John W. Dietrich, Atlas Air Worldwide president and CEO: “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.”
Said Ihssane Mounir, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing: “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 B777 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 777F is the world’s largest, longest-range twin-engine freighter, with the lowest trip cost and highest reliability of any large freighter.
With a range of 4,970 nmi (9,200km), the B777F can carry a maximum revenue payload of 102 tonnes (224,900 lb), while reducing fuel use and CO2 emissions compared to prior airplanes. This capability and exceptional efficiency translate into significant savings for cargo operators, with fewer stops and associated landing fees.
Through November, Boeing had surpassed the previous freighter record including 80 orders for new production freighters and more than 80 orders for converted models. The company will announce full-year 2021 orders and deliveries on January 11.
Atlas Air currently has 14 B777s and is the world’s largest operator of B747 Freighters, with 49 in its fleet. These two models, in particular, are designed to partner seamlessly, enabling operators to transfer tall and outsized cargo loads easily between the two on 3-meter (10-foot) tall pallets.
The cargo and passenger carrier also operates a fleet of B767 and B737 airplanes.
