Japanese shipping firm to sell “high-cost” NCA to ANA

 

ANA Holdings and Japanese shipping giant Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) announced on March 7 that they had reached a preliminary agreement for ANA to buy NCA - Nippon Cargo Airlines (KZ, Tokyo Narita), which currently functions as NYK’s air cargo transport arm.

The ANA - All Nippon Airways (NH, Tokyo Haneda) parent will acquire the 100% shareholding in a single transaction on October 1 “or a date to be separately agreed,” subject to obtaining clearance under competition laws and other conditions. Details such as the specific acquisition methods are yet to be finalised.

In a statement, the ANA holding company explained that in its medium-term business plan to 2025 it had set a goal of maximising profits in its core airline business, with expanding its cargo business set as one of the means to achieving this goal.

“NCA has provided high-quality international cargo transportation services for nearly 40 years as Japan’s only international air cargo carrier,” ANA said, elaborating that it already cooperates with NCA in MRO, codesharing on flights operated by both companies, and joint transportation. “Through this transaction, we will further enhance our Japan-based international air cargo network, products, and services, and provide high-quality and competitive air cargo transportation services that can respond to the sophistication of supply chains,” it added.

Back in 2005, ANA sold a 27.6% stake it had in NCA to NYK, which held a stake of the same size, and NCA became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nippon Yusen in 2010. ANA and NCA formed a business alliance in 2018, escalating their existing ties from an interline agreement to codesharing as well as leveraging opportunities presented by each other’s fleets.

But NYK admitted in its own statement that it faced issues such as the huge costs involved in upgrading the fleet and training personnel. Moreover, surging demand for air cargo during the pandemic and due to disruptions in marine transport, is expected to ease.

“NYK acquired all of the shares in NCA in 2010 with the aim of becoming a comprehensive logistics company offering ocean, land, and air transportation. However, the continuous introduction of new aircraft to expand the operation and maintenance system and the uninterrupted training of personnel required considerable expenditure. In the highly volatile business environment of airfreight, NCA has been facing challenges in expanding its business scale at a level that is commensurate with such costs,” it said.

ANA Holdings, by contrast, aims “to dramatically enhance its international air cargo network and products and services based in Japan,” NYK added.

The shipping firm divulged that NCA’s capital stock stood at JPY10 billion yen (USD73.3 million) and that its net profit rose from JPY31.87 billion (USD234 million) for the year ending March 31, 2020, to JPY61.32 billion (USD450 million) for the year ending March 2022.

NCA currently operates a fleet of eight B747-8(F)s (average age 10.5 years), the ch-aviation fleets advanced module shows. ANA currently operates a freighter fleet of five B767-300(ERBCF)s (average age 27.3 years), four B767-300Fs (average age 18.9 years), and two B777-Fs (average age 4 years).

ANA revealed in July that it had reached agreement with Boeing to convert two of its order for twenty B777-9s (a deal it forged in March 2014) into two B777-8 freighters to be introduced into service in 2028 or 2029. It later identified the routes it would likely deploy them on.

CH Aviation / Photo: Duncan Stewart - LAX

Kuehne+Nagel welcomes 1st B747-8F

Kuehne+Nagel took delivery of its first of two B747-8Fs. The aircraft will not be operated by the logistic giant themselves but are owned and operated by Atlas Air under a long-term agreement. Registered N862GT (67149), this Jumbojet is the semi-final Boeing B747 to be ever built.

Kuehne+Nagel will utilise the two freighters on transpacific flights, as well as on intra-Asia flights.

Photo by Kuehne+Nagel.

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

UPS - B747-8F - N622UP - 07/08/2020

Brian Worthington

AIR BRIDGE CARGO: Pharma Livery 747-867(F) - VQ-BVR - LAX Imperial Terminal (2)

hsckcwong

Los Angeles - USA

Silk Way to order more B747-8 freighters

Silk Way Airlines (ZP, Baku) will sign an agreement with Boeing (BOE, Chicago O'Hare) before year-end for two more B747-8(F)s the president of AZAL Azerbaijan Airlines (J2, Baku), Jahangir Asgarov, has announced. At present Silk Way Airlines has five B747-8(F)s in service with its Silk Way West Airlines (7L, Baku) unit.

The private Trend news agency reports Asgarov making the comments during the 7th Caspian Air Cargo Summit which opened in Baku on Tuesday, October 10.

“Preparatory work is currently underway for the purchase of these aircraft,” Asgarov said. “Today, Silk Way Airlines operates flights to 60 countries, including 37 regular routes. I should note that over the past year, the airline opened 11 new routes which include Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Bangladesh, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, as well as Hong Kong-Singapore flights carried out over the Pacific Ocean.”

In tandem to the Silk Way purchase, a deal for four more B787s for AZAL, previously announced this year, will also be signed, Asgarov added.

ch aviation

Qatar Airways to take B747 freighter ops in-house

Qatar Airways (QR, Doha Hamad Int'l) has confirmed that itself will operate its incoming B747-8(F) fleet. The airline recently took delivery of its maiden aircraft of the type - A7-BGB (msn 63199) - with a second to follow shortly.
According to CargoFacts, the Qatari carrier will also cease using wet-leased B747-400(F) capacity going forward. It previously leased one such freighter each from SW Italia (IU, Milan Malpensa) and myCargo Airlines (9T, Istanbul Atatürk) in the past. Qatar Airways also operates eight A330-200(F)s and thirteen B777-Fs (all of which are operated with its own crews).

ch aviation

CATHAY PACIFIC CARGO - B747-8 - B-LJN

Ton Jochems - AMS

AirBridgeCargo receives another Boeing 747-8F

The aircraft was delivered under a lease contract with Intrepid Aviation
Russian cargo carrier AirBridgeCargo (part of Volga-Dnepr Group) has taken delivery of another Boeing 747-8F under long-term lease through US lessor Intrepid Aviation.

The aircraft arrived straight from the assembly line. According to open source data, its registration code is VP-BBP. Intrepid Aviation intends to deliver one more of the type to AirBridgeCargo by year-end.

The operator is also planning to receive two pre-owned Boeing 747-8Fs from Chinese lessor BOC Aviation, which reported having purchased both aircraft in March. This will be AirBridgeCargo’s first experience working with the lessor.

With the newly delivered 747-8F, the Russian carrier’s fleet of the type now stands at 10 aircraft. The airline also operates seven 747-400F cargo aircraft.

Last year Volga-Dnepr Group placed an order for 20 Boeing 747-8Fs, some of these intended for the group’s UK airline CargoLogicAir.

The group took delivery of the first two 747-8s under the new contract in the fall of 2015. It had been operating the modification since 2012.
Russian Aviation Insider

Photo:Ton Jochems -  AMS







Russian Aviation Insider

Cargolux Airlines - B747-8R7(F) - LX-VCH "City of Dudelange" Titles PANALPINA

hsckcwong  - LAX

CATHAY PACIFIC CARGO - B747-8F - B-LJF

Ton Jochems - AMS

Boeing, UPS Announce Order for 14 747-8 Freighters

Airplanes will support carrier’s fleet expansion plans

• 
  

EVERETT, Wash., Oct. 27, 2016 – Boeing [NYSE: BA] and UPS [NYSE: UPS] today announced an order for 14 747-8 Freighters. The agreement also includes an option to purchase an additional 14 of the cargo airplanes.

“These aircraft are a strategic investment for increased capacity for UPS customers around the globe,” said Brendan Canavan, president, UPS Airlines. “The 747-8 will allow UPS to upsize our network in both new and existing markets.”

The 747-8 Freighter is the world’s most efficient freighter, providing cargo operators the lowest operating costs and best economics of any large freighter on the market. With its iconic nose door, the airplane has 16 percent more revenue cargo volume than the 747-400F. The airplane also reduces the noise footprint around an airport by 30 percent compared to its predecessor.

"UPS could not have selected a better aircraft to meet its growing business needs," said Brad McMullen, vice president, Sales, North America and Leasing, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We’ve continued to make the 747-8 Freighter even better, and we look forward to seeing UPS introduce it to its fleet."

With 109 747-8 passenger and freighter airplanes delivered to customers around the globe, the fleet is performing with the highest dispatch reliability and utilization of any four-engine airplane in service.



UPS is a global leader in logistics, offering a broad range of solutions including transporting packages and freight; facilitating international trade, and deploying advanced technology to more efficiently manage the world of business. Headquartered in Atlanta, UPS serves more than 220 countries and territories worldwide.

Boeing, Russian Firm Said Near US$4 Billion Deal to Save 747

By Julie Johnsson, Bloomberg News |

A Boeing 747-8 freighter is assembled in Everett. (Gail Hanusa / Boeing)

Boeing Co. is nearing a US$4 billion deal with Russia's largest air-freight company that would help extend the life of the iconic, hump-nosed 747 jumbo jet amid waning demand for four-engine aircraft, people close to the transaction said.

The U.S. planemaker is in advanced talks with AirBridgeCargo Airlines and its Moscow-based parent, Volga-Dnepr Group, to convert a year-old commitment into more than 10 firm orders for 747-8 freighters, two of the people said. The agreement could be announced as soon as the Farnborough Airshow next month in England, according to four people briefed on the deal, who asked not to be identified because the talks are confidential.

The deal would provide a crucial lifeline for the "Queen of the Skies" as Boeing tries to preserve production until the air-cargo market revives or shipping companies start to replace aging wide-body fleets. The 747 freighter, prized for a hinged nose that allows large cargo to be loaded at the front, is Boeing's second-most expensive commercial jet, with a list price of US$379.1 million. Buyers typically negotiate discounts.

Converting commitments to firm orders starts the process of allocating manufacturing resources and production slots to build the planes.

Boeing rose 2.6 percent to SU$133.13 at 9:37 a.m. in New York. The gain was the biggest in the Dow Jones Industrial Average, which climbed 1.4 percent in a global rally fueled by signs that the campaign to keep the U.K. in the Europe Union was gaining strength.

A representative of Volga-Dnepr declined to comment on the talks, but said the airline plans to take all 20 jumbos it committed to last year. A Boeing spokesman declined to comment.

Airline Shift

Sales have dwindled for Boeing's four-engine 747 and the Airbus Group A380 superjumbo jetliner as airlines have shifted long-range travel to more-efficient twin-engine models like Boeing's 777. Boeing had just 22 unfilled orders for the 747 through May, according to its website. The planemaker halved annual output of its largest commercial jet to six planes in January, citing declining sales.

The potential Russian savior for the 747 -- which brought long-range travel to the mass consumer market when it was introduced by Pan American World Airways in 1970 -- isn't just a Boeing customer. Volga-Dnepr also transports large aircraft segments for Boeing's 787 Dreamliner from suppliers to the planemaker's factories.

"White Tails"

At the Paris Air Show last June, Volga-Dnepr signed a memorandum of understanding to buy 20 of the 747-8 freighter. The shipping company took delivery in November of the first two aircraft, so-called white tails built for other customers whose orders fell through.

The Russian freight hauler confirmed it is the unidentified buyer for two of the four jumbo freighter orders Boeing recorded in March, saying the planes will be delivered later this year. The first of those two 747s has been repainted with the livery of CargoLogicAir Ltd., a Volga-Dnepr subsidiary.

CARGOLUX - B747-8F - LX-WCV

Alain Charpentier - TLS

Boeing, Silk Way Airlines Celebrate Delivery of Two 747-8 Freighters

 

New freighters will allow Azerbaijan-based airline to carry cargo more efficiently
Silk Way fleet expansion strengthens Baku's position as trade hub

EVERETT, Wash., Aug. 28, 2014 -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Silk Way Airlines today celebrated the delivery of the airline's two 747-8 Freighters. The first airplane delivered last week and the second airplane delivered today. Pictured here is Silk Way Airlines' first 747-8 Freighter during an earlier test flight at Paine Field in Everett.

Cargolux welcomes 10th Boeing 747-8 freighter

Cargolux Airlines International S.A. today announced that it will take delivery of its 10th 747-8 freighter from Boeing. The aircraft, registered LX-VCK and named ‘City of Contern’, is scheduled to leave Boeing’s Paine Field in Seattle on July 24th. After stopovers at Seattle Tacoma and Calgary, where the new freighter picks up a load of cargo, LX-VCK arrives in Luxembourg on July 25th.

‘The delivery of the 10th 747-8F has helped us bring down the average age of our fleet - already one of the youngest in the industry - to a mere 5.8 years’, said Dirk Reich, President & CEO. ‘Apart from the increased fuel efficiency and reduced noise footprint, the 747-8F is the ideal aircraft for the implementation of our dual hub strategy between Zhengzhou and Luxembourg. Our goal is indeed to operate multiple daily connections between both locations with the -8F’, Reich added.

As a launch customer of the 747-8F, Cargolux became the world’s first operator of the type in 2011. The type has performed extremely well in Cargolux’s services and reached an average daily utilization of 15:58 hours in 2013. The airline expects to take delivery of its 11th 747-8F out of a total order of 14 units later this year. Cargolux also operates 11 747-400 freighters.

NIPPON CARGO - B747-800F - JA13KZ

Ton Jochems - AMS

Boeing 747-8 in Seattle Seahawks Livery Takes to the Skies

EVERETT, Wash., Jan. 30, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- A Boeing [NYSE: BA] 747-8 Freighter painted in the livery of the Seattle Seahawks took to the skies over Washington in advance of the team's appearance Sunday in Super Bowl XLVIII.

The airplane's flight pattern took it past Seattle landmarks including the Space Needle and CenturyLink Field, home of the Seahawks. The 747-8 then flew over Eastern Washington in a pattern that formed the number "12," a salute to all Seahawks' fans.

"You may remember that we drew a '747' over the continental United States during 747-8 certification flight testing," said Boeing 747 chief pilot Mark Feuerstein "Although the '12' is smaller in scale, the pride and sense of community behind it make it feel just as big for the entire Boeing team."
Boeing is a sponsor of the Seattle Seahawks and has partnered with the team for more than a decade on programs in the Puget Sound area.

Boeing Delivers AirBridgeCargo Airlines’ Fifth 747-8 Freighter

MOSCOW, Jan. 16, 2014 – Boeing [NYSE: BA] and AirBridgeCargo Airlines (ABC), part of Volga-Dnepr Group and Russia’s largest cargo airline, recently celebrated the delivery of the airline’s fifth 747-8 Freighter.

"AirBridgeCargo has already experienced the outstanding payload and operating economics of the 747-8 family,” said Denis Ilin, executive president of AirBridgeCargo Airlines. “We are very excited to receive our fifth 747-8 Freighter.”

With delivery of the fifth 747-8 Freighter, AirBridgeCargo continues to follow its long-term fleet modernization strategy to further improve the quality of its products. The new aircraft will be used on ABC’s existing route network linking Europe, Asia and the United States via the airline’s hub in Moscow.

“AirBridgeCargo is a valued customer that has built a very successful cargo business using 747 Freighters,” said Marty Bentrott, vice president of sales for Middle East, Russia and Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We are proud of our partnership with AirBridgeCargo, and we are confident they will continue to grow their business successfully as their fleet expands."

AirBridgeCargo’s current fleet consists of 12 Boeing 747s, including five Boeing 747-400ERFs (Extended Range Freighters), three Boeing 747-400 Freighters and five Boeing 747-8 Freighters.

The new 747-8 Freighter gives cargo operators the lowest operating costs and best economics of any large freighter airplane while providing enhanced environmental performance. It is optimized to provide greater revenue cargo-carrying capability than the 747-400, offering 16 percent more cargo volume while keeping its iconic nose door. With more than 150,000 hours in service, the 747-8 Freighter is achieving performance milestones with customers reporting 1 percent better fuel burn than expected.

AIR BRIDGE CARGO - B747-800F - VQ-BGZ

Ton Jochems - AMS