British Airways axes B747-8(F) contract with Atlas Air

British Airways has prematurely terminated a lease contract with Atlas Air for three B747-8(F)s operated by Global Supply Systems

The move follows British Airways' recent decision to exit the dedicated cargo-freighter service by the end of April 2014. Atlas says it will receive early termination fees for the contract. IAG Cargo CEO Steve Gunning told CargoFacts.net: “We have reviewed our long haul freighter program following the merger of British Airways and Iberia freight businesses to create IAG Cargo. The review took account of the growing cargo capacity available to us from our passenger fleet as well as the outlook for the air freight industry overall and we have made the strategic decision to significantly revise our long haul freighter program.” Beginning May 2014, IAG Cargo will only retain one scheduled cargo route with 5x weekly B777-F flights between London and Hong Kong Chep Lap Kok. This service will be operated by Qatar Airways on behalf of IAG Cargo.
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Photo:Ton Jochems