ORDER - Atlas Air Worldwide becomes Airbus’ largest A350F freighter customer with an order for 20 aircraft

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. (“Atlas”), a global leader in airfreight logistics based in the United States in New York, has placed a landmark firm order for 20 Airbus A350F freighters. The order is the largest ever placed for the latest generation fuel efficient A350F and makes Atlas the biggest customer of the type.

The A350F aircraft will be deployed for growth. As a leading outsourced aviation logistics company, Atlas is uniquely positioned to bring the A350F’s next-generation performance to global operators across a wide variety of business models and markets.

“We are proud to become the largest customer for the Airbus A350F, securing early delivery positions for this next-generation widebody freighter platform,” said Michael Steen, Chief Executive Officer, Atlas Air Worldwide. “This order reflects our commitment to maintaining the industry’s most modern and fuel-efficient widebody freighter fleet to best service existing and new customers worldwide. The A350F is a highly capable, reliable platform, with incremental payload and range benefits, and a strong sustainability profile. We are pleased to add Airbus and Rolls-Royce to our supplier base of leading aircraft and engine manufacturers, offering us optionality and supporting our global operations and continued growth.”

“We are excited to welcome Atlas Air Worldwide, a global leader of the air cargo industry, to the Airbus family,” said Lars Wagner, CEO Commercial Aircraft at Airbus. “Atlas Air’s selection of the latest generation A350F - the first in the US - represents a pivotal moment, cementing the A350F’s position as the preferred true all new-generation freighter for the world’s most demanding cargo operators. We very much look forward to seeing it flying in Atlas’ colours."

The A350F features the largest main deck cargo door in the industry, with fuselage length and capacity optimised around the industry’s standard pallets and containers. Over 70% of the airframe is made of advanced materials, resulting in a 46 tonne lighter take-off weight than the competing derivative. The A350F is also the only freighter aircraft that will fully meet ICAO’s enhanced CO₂ emissions standards, coming into effect in 2027.

 

ORDER / US’s Atlas Air warns of freighter shortage to 2040

Cargo airlines will face a shortage of widebody freighter capacity for the next decade and beyond, according to Atlas Air's chief executive officer Michael Steen.
As reported by Air Cargo News, Steen believes the growth of widebody freighter capacity will struggle to keep pace with demand growth, as airlines need to retire older aircraft while there is a lack of new freighters entering the market.
“So, the global freighter fleet is now ageing and we are seeing a situation here that we haven’t seen before, where aircraft are retiring faster than they are being replenished,” Steen, who has been warning about the impending shortages for years, said.
Moreover, with Boeing ending the production of the B777-200F in 2027, and deliveries of the next generation B777-8F and A350F not starting until late 2027 or early 2028, barring any production timeline delays, “this means you have at least one calendar year with zero new freighters,” said Steen.
“When you look at all this and put it together, we are going to be capacity-constrained well towards the 2040s, and there is structurally no way around it from a capacity perspective,” Steen concluded.
Cargo airlines will face a shortage of widebody freighter capacity for the next decade and beyond, according to Atlas Air's chief executive officer Michael Steen.
As reported by Air Cargo News, Steen believes the growth of widebody freighter capacity will struggle to keep pace with demand growth, as airlines need to retire older aircraft while there is a lack of new freighters entering the market.
“So, the global freighter fleet is now ageing and we are seeing a situation here that we haven’t seen before, where aircraft are retiring faster than they are being replenished,” Steen, who has been warning about the impending shortages for years, said.

Moreover, with Boeing ending the production of the B777-200F in 2027, and deliveries of the next generation B777-8F and A350F not starting until late 2027 or early 2028, barring any production timeline delays, “this means you have at least one calendar year with zero new freighters,” said Steen.

“When you look at all this and put it together, we are going to be capacity-constrained well towards the 2040s, and there is structurally no way around it from a capacity perspective,” Steen concluded.

CH Aviation

Photo: Marco Moutinho - Madrid

 

FLEET - MSC Air Cargo wet-leases B747 freighters from Atlas Air

MSC Air Cargo (Geneva) has introduced two B747 freighters chartered from Atlas Air (5Y, New York JFK) on routes from Amsterdam Schiphol to Seoul Incheon and Tokyo Narita via Milan Malpensa, according to a February schedule published by the Swiss cargo specialist and virtual carrier.

The 12-year-old B747-8F N854GT (msn 37566) operates 2x weekly to Seoul, according to ADS-B data and the company's schedule. Flights to Japan operate weekly with Atlas Air's B747-400FSCD N45OPA (msn 30808).

MSC Air Cargo already charters four B777-200Fs from Atlas Air, which are deployed weekly between Budapest and Ezhou in China; weekly between Liège and Ezhou; 2x weekly between Liege and Karaganda in Kazakhstan; and weekly between Maastricht and Hong Kong International.

ADS-B data shows that the aircraft in question are N707GT (msn 67992), N708GT (msn 67993), N709GT (msn 67994), and N710GT (msn 67995).

Atlas Air's fleet includes sixty-two B747 freighters of various variants and eight B777-200Fs, as well as thirteen B767 freighters and seven B737-800(BCF)s, according to the ch-aviation fleets module.

CH Aviation

 

FLEET - Atlas Air and YunExpress expand strategic partnership with second Boeing 777-200 freighter Atlas Air Inc., a subsidiary of Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc., a leading global provider of outsourced aviation logistics, today announced the expansion of its strategic partnership with YunExpress, a subsidiary of Zongteng Group, by adding a second Boeing 777-200 freighter under a long-term charter agreement. Deepening the successful relationship between Atlas and YunExpress, this second 777 freighter will enter service for YunExpress in April and operate six weekly routes between China and the United States. The new flying will enhance YunExpress’ international logistics network and help it serve the increasing demand for cross-border e-Commerce shipping from China. YunExpress welcomed the arrival of its first Boeing 777F freighter at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport on September 9, 2022. By partnering with Central Airlines, the first flight from Shenzhen to Riyadh was successfully operated on September 30, 2022. This freighter will take its routes from Shenzhen to Middle East and Europe three to four times per week. Atlas Air aircraft photo gallery:

Atlas Air Inc., a subsidiary of Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc., a leading global provider of outsourced aviation logistics, today announced the expansion of its strategic partnership with YunExpress, a subsidiary of Zongteng Group, by adding a second Boeing 777-200 freighter under a long-term charter agreement.


Deepening the successful relationship between Atlas and YunExpress, this second 777 freighter will enter service for YunExpress in April and operate six weekly routes between China and the United States. The new flying will enhance YunExpress’ international logistics network and help it serve the increasing demand for cross-border e-Commerce shipping from China.


“We are delighted to expand our strategic and long-term partnership with YunExpress,” said Michael Steen, Chief Executive Officer, Atlas Air Worldwide. “Cross-border e-Commerce is driving significant demand for Atlas’ dedicated large widebody freighter capacity. Through our partnership with YunExpress, we are strengthening our position as the preferred supplier of dedicated airfreight capacity to leading players in the e-Commerce industry. Atlas has unmatched global operating capabilities and high-quality solutions that power our customers’ global supply chains.”


Wang Zuan, President of Zongteng Group, stated: “Last December, YunExpress, in collaboration with Atlas, launched charter service between Xiamen, China and Miami utilizing a 777 freighter, which has been operating with solid performance. The signing of this new long-term agreement further deepens and strengthens the strategic partnership between us. Through YunExpress, we aim to meet the growing demand for airfreight capacity between China, Europe and North America. Looking ahead, we aim to further expand routes and fleet size to provide customers with more convenient and diverse global transportation options, ensure supply chain resilience, and support the steady development and growth of our customers’ international businesses.”


Atlas Air Inc., a subsidiary of Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc., a leading global provider of outsourced aviation logistics, today announced the expansion of its strategic partnership with YunExpress, a subsidiary of Zongteng Group, by adding a second Boeing 777-200 freighter under a long-term charter agreement.









Deepening the successful relationship between Atlas and YunExpress, this second 777 freighter will enter service for YunExpress in April and operate six weekly routes between China and the United States.




The new flying will enhance YunExpress’ international logistics network and help it serve the increasing demand for cross-border e-Commerce shipping from China.

YunExpress welcomed the arrival of its first Boeing 777F freighter at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport on September 9, 2022.




By partnering with Central Airlines, the first flight from Shenzhen to Riyadh was successfully operated on September 30, 2022.







This freighter will take its routes from Shenzhen to Middle East and Europe three to four times per week.




Atlas Air aircraft photo gallery:

 

FLEET - Atlas Air mulling A350F or B777-8F order

 

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings is considering placing an order for new generation A350Fs or B777-8Fs, Chief Executive Officer Michael Steen told Bloomberg.

He said Atlas is in “relatively advanced stages” in terms of the negotiations with Airbus and Boeing. However, it wants more clarity on delivery schedules before making a decision. The B777-8F could be first delivered until 2027, although the US's quality issues could delay the program. Meanwhile, the A350F is expected to enter into service in early 2026.

“I certainly envision that we are going to grow significantly both fleet-wise and as well as from a profitability perspective over the next few years,” he added.

ch-aviation has reached out to Atlas Air for comment.

The company sees future pressure on the supply of new widebody freighters. In a previous interview with Bloomberg, Steen said there are about 650 widebody freighters globally, and nearly 20% of these airframes are coming up to retirement age. “We have more than 10% of that capacity ourselves [of the 650 widebody freighters globally], and we are obviously aiming to grow that fleet as we grow forward as well. We are very well-positioned as a company,” he added.

The ch-aviation fleets module shows that Atlas Air (5Y, New York JFK) operates 97 aircraft, including eight B737-800(BCF)s, thirty-nine B747-400(F)s, five B747-400s, ten B747-8Fs, five B767-300ERs, twenty-three B767-300Fs, and seven B777-200Fs. Sister carrier Polar Air Cargo (PO, New York JFK) 

operates four B747-8Fs, one B767-300ER(BDSF), and four B777-200Fs.

CH Aviation / Photo: Atlas Air

FLEET - Atlas Air Worldwide orders two new Boeing 777 Freighters

Atlas Air Worldwide Inc. has announced it has ordered two new Boeing 777F Freighters driven by ongoing strong customer demand for dedicated large widebody airfreight capacity, particularly for cross border e-Commerce shipping.

The two new 777 Freighters, which were booked earlier this quarter, are expected to be delivered in the second half of 2024. This strategic investment underscores the Company’s commitment to growing its 777F platform, and for providing leading-edge aircraft and service offerings to its customers, as well as creating more long-haul flying opportunities for its pilots.

As previously announced, the Company most recently ordered four 777 Freighters in 2021, which are placed on a long-term ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance, insurance) agreement with MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company SA.

Three of these aircraft have been delivered, with the fourth 777 expected to be delivered in December 2023.

Boeing, Atlas Air Celebrate Delivery of Final 747, an Airplane that Transformed Aviation and Global Air Travel

EVERETT, Wash., Jan. 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Atlas Air Worldwide [Nasdaq: AAWW] joined thousands of people – including current and former employees as well as customers and suppliers – to celebrate the delivery of the final 747 to Atlas, bringing to a close more than a half century of production.

Boeing employees who designed and built the first 747, known as the "Incredibles," returned to be honored at the Everett factory where the journey of the 747 began in 1967. The factory produced 1,574 airplanes over the life of the program.

"This monumental day is a testament to the generations of Boeing employees who brought to life the airplane that 'shrank the world,' and revolutionized travel and air cargo as the first widebody," said Stan Deal, president and chief executive officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "It is fitting to deliver this final 747-8 Freighter to the largest operator of the 747, Atlas Air, where the 'Queen' will continue to inspire and empower innovation in air cargo."

"We are honored to continue our long history of flying this iconic aircraft for our customers around the world," said John Dietrich, president and chief executive officer, Atlas Air Worldwide. "Atlas Air was founded over 30 years ago with a single 747-200 converted freighter, and since then, we have spanned the globe operating nearly every fleet type of the 747, including the Dreamlifter, Boeing's 747 Large Cargo Freighter, for the transport of 787 Dreamliner parts. 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 program as we operate the aircraft for decades to come."

As the first twin-aisle airplane and "jumbo jet," the "Queen of the Skies" enabled airlines to connect people across vast distances and provide non-stop trans-oceanic flights. Its development solidified Boeing's role as an industry leader in commercial aviation. The airplane's core design with its distinctive hump and seating in the upper deck has delighted generations of passengers and operators alike. Boeing continued to improve on the original design with models like the 747-400 in 1988 and the final 747-8 model that was launched in 2005; across all the models, the jet has delivered unmatched operating economics and efficiency to travel and air cargo markets.

As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing's diverse team is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a culture based on the company's core values of safety, quality and integrity. Join our team and find your purpose at boeing.com/careers.

Boeing

Final Boeing 747 Airplane Leaves Everett Factory

- The final 747-8 Freighter will be delivered to Atlas Air in early 2023

- Iconic plane transformed global travel after entering service in 1970

EVERETT, Wash., Dec. 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The last Boeing (NYSE: BA) 747 left the company's widebody factory in advance of its delivery to Atlas Air in early 2023.
"For more than half a century, tens of thousands of dedicated Boeing employees have designed and built this magnificent airplane that has truly changed the world. We are proud that this plane will continue to fly across the globe for years to come," said Kim Smith, Boeing Vice President and general manager, 747 and 767 Programs.
The 747 has played a key role in Boeing's history of aerospace leadership.
• Production of the 747, the world's first twin-aisle airplane, began in 1967 and spanned 54 years, during which a total of 1,574 airplanes were built.
• At 250 ft 2 in (76.2 m), the 747-8 is the longest commercial aircraft in service. At typical cruising speeds, the 747-8 travels roughly the length of three FIFA soccer fields or NFL football fields, per second.
• The final airplane is a 747-8 Freighter. This model has a revenue payload of 133.1 tonnes, enough to transport 10,699 solid-gold bars or approximately 19 million ping-pong balls or golf balls.
As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing's diverse team is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a culture based on the company's core values of safety, quality and integrity. Join our team and find your purpose at boeing.com/careers.

 

MSC teams up with Atlas Air

Shipping giant MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company is following in the footsteps of competitors CMA CGM and Maersk by establishing dedicated air cargo-operations. The company has signed an agreement with Atlas Air, which will operate four new B777Fs for MSC. The four B777Fs were already ordered by the US cargo airline and are expected to be delivered from the last quarter of this year and will fly in a MSC-livery.



MSC or Atlas Air haven't communicated where the B777Fs will be operating from and which destinations they will serve. It's also unclear for how long MSC is wet-leasing the aircraft, the press statement just states "long-term".

Today, Atlas Air already operates a single B777F next to 21 B767-300Fs, five B767-300ERs, five B747-400s, 39 B747-400Fs, eight B747-8Fs and eight B737-800BCFs. The majority of the B767s and all of the B737s are operated by them for Amazon Prime Air.

Illustration by MSC.

Atlas Air takes delivery of first of four new Boeing 747-8 Freighter

Atlas Air, Inc., a subsidiary of Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc., has announced it has taken delivery of a Boeing 747-8 freighter, which will operate on behalf of its customer Cainiao, the logistics arm of Alibaba Group, as part of a previously announced long-term agreement.

The aircraft will increase capacity on routes between China and the Americas. This aircraft is the first of four new 747-8 freighters that Atlas expects to receive from Boeing this year.

The addition of this 747-8F expands service for Cainiao between China, the United States, Brazil and Chile aboard the most capable, technologically advanced and environmentally-friendly widebody freighter, providing 20% higher payload capacity and 16% lower fuel consumption than the very capable 747-400F.

As previously announced, Atlas’s investment in these new aircraft underscores its commitment to environmental stewardship through the reduction of aircraft emissions, resource consumption and noise. The iconic Boeing 747 program has been in operation for over 50 years and will continue to play a critical role in keeping global supply chains moving for decades to come. The 747-8 is the only factory-built freighter with nose-loading capability in production, which will serve the long-term needs of the airfreight market.

Atlas Air

Atlas Air to operate B747-8Fs for Kuehne+Nagel

Atlas Air announced that it has signed a long-term ACMI-contract with Kuehne+Nagel, in which the airline will operate two dedicated B747-8Fs for the German logistic company. The first Jumbo is entering service in the third quarter of 2022, with the second following in the fourth quarter.

The two B747-8Fs are part of the four B747-8Fs Atlas Air ordered last year and will be the last two B747s to be built.

Illustration by Atlas Air.

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings (US) has ordered four new B777Fs, with the first of the four new B777-200LRFs expected to be delivered in November 2022 with the other three expected to be delivered throughout 2023.

 Atlas Air

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings announced it has completed the integration of Southern Air and merged the operations and fleet on the Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) of Atlas A

This step marks the end of the merger of Atlas Air and Southern Air, which started in 2016 when Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings acquired Southern Air.

Southern Air was a very common name in the world of civil aviation. The company was founded in 1999, taking over assests from bankrupt declared Southern Air Transport, which itself was founded in 1947. Southern Air Transport, which was based at Miami-International (FL), was best known for being a front for the CIA between 1960 and 1973 and for its role during the Iran-Contra scandal in the mid-80s.

After the mid-80s, the airline cleaned-up their act and became a cargo carrier with an expertise in carrying outsized goods or hazardous materials with its fleet of DC-8s, Boeing 707s, Boeing 747s and Lockheed Hercules. They were also very often used by the military as part of the Civil Reserve Air Fleet. By 1998, however, the financial difficulties at Southern Air Transport became too large. The company tried to merge with other airlines but these attempts failed and the company was declared bankrupt on 1 October 1998. Over the years, Southern Air Transport operated 23 Hercules, thirteen B747s, twelve B707s, seven DC-8s, five DC-6s, three C-46s, two B727s, one DC-4, one DC-3 and an unspecified number of C-123s.

In November 1999, Southern Air was launched and took over various assests from Southern Air Transport and launched operations with a former Lufthansa Cargo B747-200F. Now, at the time of merging with Atlas Air, Southern Air operated a fleet of eight B737-800BCFs (flown for Amazon Prime Air) and nine B777Fs (six flown for DHL), which are all now transferred to Atlas Air. In total, Southern Air over the years also flew with 26 B747-200Fs, three B747-300s and six B747-400Fs.

Photo by Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings.

Atlas Air Worldwide Purchases Four Boeing 747-8 Freighters

Freighters to add additional capacity to meet growing e-commerce and express cargo demand

Order will complete production of the 747-8 in 

2022SEATTLE, Jan. 12, 2020 – Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Atlas Air Worldwide today announced an agreement to purchase four 747-8 Freighters. The order enables Atlas Air to leverage the operational advantages of the 747-8 Freighter to meet growing cargo demand around the globe.

“The 747-8F is the best and most versatile widebody freighter in the market, and we are excited to bolster our fleet with the acquisition of these four aircraft,” said John W. Dietrich, Atlas Air Worldwide President and Chief Executive Officer. “This significant growth opportunity will enable us to capitalize on strong demand and deliver value for our existing and prospective customers. The efficiency and capability of the 747-8F further complements our longstanding focus on leading edge technology. Dedicated freighters – like those operated by our Atlas, Polar and Southern subsidiaries – will continue to be in demand as the global airfreight market, particularly the e-commerce and express sectors, continues to grow.”

With a maximum payload capacity of 137.7 metric tonnes (137,750 kg), the 747-8 Freighter allows customers to access 20% more payload capacity while using 16% less fuel compared to previous-generation 747s. The jet also features 30% quieter engines. The 747-8 airplanes in this agreement will be the final four aircraft to roll off the production line in Everett, Washington.

“The 747 will forever hold a special place in aviation history and we are honored by Atlas Air’s longstanding commitment to the airplane. Atlas Air began operations 28 years ago with a single 747 and it is fitting that they should receive the last 747 production airplanes, ensuring that the ‘Queen of the Skies’ plays a significant role in the global air cargo market for decades to come,” said Stan Deal, president and chief executive officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “With the global air cargo fleet expected to grow by more than 60% over the next 20 years, we look forward to delivering these airplanes and supporting Atlas Air’s Boeing fleet well into the future.”

Atlas Air has 53 747s in its current fleet, making it the largest 747 operator in the world. Its world-class fleet also includes 737s, 767s and 777s. The 747 and 777 models, in particular, are capable of carrying tall and outsized cargo loads on 3-meter-high (10-foot-tall) pallets. This common main-deck pallet height supports interchangeable pallets, adding to the versatility of both models.

Boeing, the market leader in air cargo aircraft, provides more than 90% of the dedicated freighter capacity around the world, including new production and converted freighters. The 747 program has produced 1,560 aircraft since launching the jumbo jet more than 50 years ago. In July 2020, Boeing announced its decision to complete production of the 747-8 in 2022.

About The Boeing Company

Boeing is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading provider of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, and global services. As a top U.S. exporter, the company supports commercial and government customers in more than 150 countries, leveraging the talents of a global supplier base. Building on a legacy of aerospace leadership, Boeing continues to lead in technology and innovation, deliver for its customers and invest in its people and future growth.

About Atlas Air Worldwide

Atlas Air Worldwide is a leading global provider of outsourced aircraft and aviation operating services. It is the parent company of Atlas Air, Inc., Southern Air Holdings, Inc. and Titan Aviation Holdings, Inc., and is the majority shareholder of Polar Air Cargo Worldwide, Inc. Our companies operate the world’s largest fleet of 747 freighter aircraft and provide customers the broadest array of Boeing 747, 777, 767 and 737 aircraft for domestic, regional and international cargo and passenger operations.

AMSTERDAM AIRPORT - 24 APRIL 2020

Thank you so much Ton Jochems (continue) sharing your photos at this very difficult time for the whole world

Ton Jochems

DHL / ATLAS AIR - B767-231F - N650GT

Duncan Stewart - LAX

Atlas Air Worldwide acquires two ex-LATAM B777 freighters

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings has announced it has acquired two B777-Fs from LATAM Airlines Group for an undisclosed sum.

The US operator holding said in a statement the former LATAM Cargo Chile machines would be placed with its Southern Air (9S, Cincinnati Int'l) unit which would operate them for DHL Express. The first of the aircraft to enter service under the ACMI contract was previously operated on a CMI (crew, maintenance and insurance) basis for DHL Express by Southern Air. It is due in service this month with the second to follow in June.
“These 777 freighters enhance our position in this attractive aircraft type and are consistent with our strategy of growing the operations that we acquired as part of Southern Air,” Atlas Air Worldwide President and Chief Executive Officer William J. Flynn said.
Atlas Air is currently in discussions with a banking syndicate to finance the two 2012-vintage aircraft and expects to close the financing transaction during the second quarter of this year.

For its part, Southern Air currently operates five B777(F)s and five B737-400(F)s.

ch aviation

Atlas Air secures 20 B767 freighter conversions for Amazon

Atlas Air in May 2016 signed a deal with Amazon.com to provide twenty B767-300(F) freighters, and has now secured both the aircraft and the conversion slots, reports MRO Network. Atlas Air will operate the aircraft for Amazon, which will dry-lease them from Atlas Air's sister leasing unit, Titan Aviation.
"We are ramping up from six aircraft currently in service for Amazon to an expected 20 by the end of 2018," a spokesperson told the website.
Currently, Atlas Air operates an all-Boeing fleet of seventy passenger aircraft and freighters, including thirty-two B747-400s, ten B767-200s, and eighteen B767-300s.
However, the spokesperson indicated that it could look to diversify in the future: "In particular, the A330PTF and A321PTF [passenger to freighter] are two aircraft that will be interesting to monitor."

ch aviation

Hong Kong Air Cargo to lease B747-400(F)s from Atlas Air

Hong Kong Air Cargo (HKC, Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok) will wet-lease a total of three B747-400(F)s from Atlas Air (5Y, New York JFK) the US cargo specialist has revealed in a statement.

The first aircraft will enter service in September 2017 and will serve routes between Asia and the USA. The second and third aircraft are expected to enter service at some point during 2018.

A unit of Hong Kong Airlines (HX, Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok), Hong Kong Air Cargo secured its Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) from the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department (CAD) in April this year.

ch aviation

Photo:Duncan Stewart - LAX

ATLAS AIR - B747-8F - N856GT

Duncan Stewart - LAX