Apex Logistics International, a Kuehne+Nagel company, will put into operation the last Boeing 747-8 freighter as part of the long-term charter agreement with Atlas Air.
After a half-century production run of the jumbo jet, the last Boeing 747-8F under the name ‘Empower’ was presented to the public during the official ceremony at the Boeing Everett Delivery Center in Seattle.
The event marks the end of the ‘Queen of the Skies’ that helped catapult the global air logistics industry with its unique nose-loading capability, payload capacity and fuel efficiency. Following the first Kuehne+Nagel aircraft ‘Inspire.’, ‘Empower.’ will operate on the Transpacific routings strengthening the intra-Asia network with better connectivity.
Yngve Ruud, Member of the Management Board of Kuehne+Nagel, responsible for Air Logistics, comments: “The names we chose for the last two iconic aircraft fit their legacy – ‘Inspire.’ and ‘Empower.’ We look forward to seeing the last 747-8F aircraft taking off to fulfil the versatile needs of our customers worldwide with unmatched capability.”
Said Tony Song, Group Chief Executive Officer Apex “In 2001, when Apex was founded, our guiding principle was to empower employees with the common goal of offering customers flexible and reliable solutions to their logistics needs.
“Twenty years later, as part of Kuehne+Nagel Group, we are proud to introduce ‘Empower’, the newest and most exciting addition to Apex Logistics. This aircraft will reinforce our ability to provide strategic solutions and unique alternatives with passion.”
Said John Dietrich, President and Chief Executive Officer, Atlas Air Worldwide: “We are pleased to operate this aircraft on behalf of Apex Logistics, a Kuehne+Nagel company.
“This is the second 747-8F delivery as part of our long-term strategic partnership with Kuehne+Nagel, which is reflective of our commitment to provide additional capacity for expanding their air cargo network.”
Dietrich added: “As the world’s largest operator of 747 freighters, Atlas is especially proud to take the last 747 ever to be built. We are grateful to Boeing for their shared commitment to safety, quality, innovation and the environment, and for their partnership to ensure the continued success of the 747 programme as we operate the aircraft for decades to come.”
