UPS has ordered eight more B767 freighters, and the US logistics giant will begin delivery of the aircraft in 2025, expanding its fleet to 108 B767s.

An additional 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) aircraft will enter service late next year. The purchase adds to UPS’ order for 19 B767Fs in December.

UPS currently operates 238 Boeing freighters including the B747, B757, 767 and MD-11.

According to Boeing’s 2022 Commercial Market Outlook forecast, carriers will require 2,795 more dedicated freighters over the next 20 years, including 940 new widebodies, 555 widebody converted freighters and 1,300 standard body conversions.

The global freighter fleet will grow to 3,610 airplanes by 2041, up from 2,250 today. Today, Boeing freighters account for 90% of the world’s freighter capacity, flying millions of tonnes of goods around the globe.

“The additional 767s will help us continue to deliver what matters to UPS customers around the world. This is a very versatile aircraft that we operate across every region of the globe,” said UPS Executive Vice President and President U.S. Nando Cesarone.

“With these aircraft, our fleet will continue to be among the most modern in our industry, meeting our customers’ needs while improving our efficiency, sustainability and reliability.”

Air cargo continues to play a crucial role in global trade, from supporting supply chains to expanding e-commerce. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has estimated that global air cargo revenue in 2021 was more than double the revenue in pre-pandemic 2019.

“This repeat order from UPS is a testament to the outstanding cargo capabilities of the 767 Freighter and further demonstrates Boeing’s market leadership in the freighter segment,” said Ihssane Mounir, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing.

“UPS will operate more than 100 767 Freighters with this order and will build its fleet of Boeing and Boeing-heritage airplanes to more than 260 airplanes. We are honored to play an important role in UPS’s efforts to operate a more sustainable, more efficient fleet.” 

Based on the 767-300ER (Extended Range) passenger jet, the 767 Freighter carries up to 52.4 tonnes of revenue cargo with intercontinental range, serving as a flexible platform for long-haul, regional and feeder markets.

UPS was the launch customer for the 767 Freighter in 1995 and has purchased a total of 108 of the model. The carrier currently operates 238 Boeing freighters including the 747, 757, 767 and MD-11.