FLEET - China Southern Cargo first Chinese B777X-customer

China Southern Airlines has announced in a 26 June 2026 filing to the Shanghai stock exchange, that it has signed an agreement with Boeing for additional freighters for its China Southern Cargo-subsidiary. The deal is for two B777Fs and five B777-8Fs, with options on another three B777-8Fs.

With this order, China Southern becomes the first Chinese B777X-customer. Delivery of the two B777Fs is expecting to begin in 2027 and all new freighters should be delivered by 2034.

China Southern Cargo was established as a separate subsidiary by China Southern Airlines in 2019 and is currently operating a fleet of thirteen B777Fs.

Scramble

Photo: Duncan Stewart

FLEET - Kenya Airways Pushes MAX Entry Into Service to 2027, Weighs E2 and 777F Additions

Kenya Airways has decided to delay the entry into service of its first Boeing 737 MAX jets to early 2027, citing cash constraints stemming from the outbreak of the war in Iran, its interim chief executive told Air Transport World (ATW) on the sidelines of the IATA Annual General Meeting in Rio de Janeiro.
Newsaero

FLEET - China Airlines confirms expansion of 777-8F

China Airlines (Taiwan) will acquire 16 aircraft:

5 A350-1000s, 

5 B777-9

4 B777-8F

2 B777F. 

The carrier also plans to sell four B747-400F

 

 

SPECIAL LIVERY - China Cargo / B777-F / B-220F - China Eastern Cold Chain / China-Chile Fresh Express 10th Anniversary Livery

K.C.Wong
 

SPECIAL LIVERY - DHL AVIATION / B777F / G-DHLV - "Official Logistics Partner of Formula 1"

Photo: Duncan Stewart
 

ORDER - FedEx also firms B777F-options

Next to announcing firming-up options on the ATR72-600F, FedEx has also announced it has decided to firm-up options for eight additional B777Fs. All eight should be delivered by 2027. With this latest order, FedEx now has open orders with Boeing for ten B777Fs.

At the same time, the company has decided to postpone the retirement of its McDonnell-Douglas MD-11Fs from 2028 to 2032, which is good news for lovers of the trijet.

Currently, the FedEx-fleet is made-up of 15 ATR42Fs, 42 ATR72Fs, 65 Airbus A300-600Fs, one B737-400F, eight B737-800Fs, 87 B757-200Fs, 143 B767-300Fs, 58 B777Fs, and 25 MD-11Fs.

Photo by FedEx.

FLEET - YunExpress (China) took delivery of one B777F, serial 35606, operated by Atlas Air (US) and powered by GE90-110B1 engines.

Photo: YunExpress
 

FLEET - China Airlines (Taiwan) expects eight aircraft due in 2025, including the first of 24 B787, along with more A321neo and the tenth B777F

China Airlines (Taiwan) expects eight aircraft due in 2025, including the first of 24 B787, along with more A321neo and the tenth B777F. All 25 A321neos to arrive by 2026, New cabins for its 15 A350s begin in 2027. Also, existing A330 and B737-800 leases will be extended and the retirement of B747F will be accelerated, leaving eight in service

Photo: Ton Jochems - AMS

FLEET - One Air (UK) will soon add two new B777Fs to its fleet to place on routes to Asia in 2025

Photo: One Air
 

FLEET - Emirates orders more B777Fs

Boeing announced that Emirates has ordered additional B777Fs. In total, the manufacturer received an order for five more freighters, which are are scheduled to be delivered in 2026.

The order was likely already placed in June, when Boeing reported an order for five B777Fs by an undisclosed customer.

Today, Emirates already operates eleven B777Fs and previously held another five open orders for the type. Next to these new B777Fs, the airline is als oplanning to convert at least four of its B777-300ERs into freighters. All new aircraft will be used for expansion and replacement of older B777Fs in the fleet.

Illustration by Boeing.

 

FLEET - National Airlines Selects Four Boeing 777 Freighters to Expand Global Fleet

- World's most capable twin-engine freighter provides market-leading range and reliability to meet global air cargo demand


FARNBOROUGH, United Kingdom, July 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and National Airlines announced today the global carrier has committed to place its first order for four 777 Freighters. Currently the longest-range twin-engine freighter with unrivaled payload capacity, the 777 Freighter will help maximize the airline's commercial cargo service and boost market share across its global operations.

"We are elated by this remarkable order of four Boeing 777 Freighters. This demonstrates our commitment to offering efficient, resourceful, and modern air freight services to support our global customers' increasing transportation demands," said Christopher Alf, chairman of National Airlines. "The order affirms our fleet growth plan as we enter into the next chapter of National. We sincerely appreciate the support by Boeing and all its associated teams in this journey ahead."


Once finalized, National Airlines' first direct purchase of Boeing airplanes will be posted to Boeing's Orders & Deliveries website.

The 777 Freighter can fly farther (9,200 km / 4,970 nmi) and carry more freight (107 tonnes) than any other twin-engine cargo jet today. This capability enables operators to fly more freight on more nonstop routes with better operating economics.

"We appreciate National Airlines for its trust in Boeing and the 777 Freighter to grow the carrier's global fleet and deliver greater value for its customers," said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "With its cargo capacity, range and reliability, operators continue to rely on the 777 Freighter to build their future fleets, making it the best-selling freighter of all time."

The 777 Freighters will join National Airline's expanding fleet of nine 747-400 freighters. Designed to integrate seamlessly with existing 747 operations, the 777 Freighter allows carriers to easily transfer cargo between the two airplanes to streamline ground logistics and leverage additional cost savings through fleet commonality.

Boeing has delivered more than 270 777 Freighters to date. As the market leader in freighter airplanes, Boeing provides more than 90% of the worldwide dedicated freighter capacity, including production and converted airplanes. Over the next 20 years, Boeing's 2024 Commercial Market Outlook predicts an additional 2,845 freighters will enter service to meet growing global trade and e-commerce.

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 Media Relations

FLEET - DHL to place B777Fs with Central Airlines

DHL has announced on 10 July 2024 that it has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Central Airlines from China to place two Boeing B777Fs with the airline for operations within the DHL-network.

It's currently unclear if these aircraft are coming from DHL's existing order book with Boeing or are some of the ordered converted B777s,

DHL currently has 28 B777Fs in service, which it has placed for operations with AeroLogic, DHL Air UK, Kalitta Air, Polar Air Cargo, and Singapore Airlines.

It has open orders for six more B777Fs with Boeing directly and with Mammoth Aerospace for nine B777-200LRMFs.

Central Airlines today operates a fleet of three B737-300SFs, five B737-800BCFs, and two B777Fs.

Illustration by DHL.

 

FLEET - Turkish Airlines Orders Four More Boeing 777 Freighters

- New order will triple carrier's 777 Freighter fleet and add 408 metric tons to cargo lift

ISTANBUL /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Turkish Airlines today announced an order for four 777 Freighters to further strengthen the airline's position in the global air cargo market. With this order, Turkish Airlines will operate 12 777 Freighters.

"This new investment in expanding our cargo fleet underscores our commitment to meeting the growing global demand for air freight services," said Turkish Airlines Chief Cargo Officer Ali Türk. "The addition of these Boeing 777 Freighters will not only enhance our operational capabilities, but also serve as another step in our strategic vision to reach the top of air cargo sector worldwide while maintaining our leading position with our unparalleled service and efficiency for our customers across the globe."


Boeing Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines' purchase of additional 777 Freighters will help the carrier meet growing demand for freight services, driven by the rapid growth of e-commerce and the need for efficient and reliable transportation across the globe. The new freighters will enable Turkish Airlines to optimize its cargo operations, reduce costs and deliver goods to destinations worldwide on time.

"We are proud to continue our long-standing partnership with Turkish Airlines and support its expansion of cargo operations with the addition of Boeing 777 Freighters," said Paul Righi, vice president of Boeing Commercial Sales for Eurasia. "The 777 Freighter's payload capacity, range and flexibility will enable Turkish Airlines to deliver exceptional customer service while maximizing operational efficiency."

The Boeing 777 Freighter is the world's most capable twin-engine freighter with a maximum payload capacity of 102 metric tons (112 tons) and a range of 9,200 kilometers (4,970 nautical miles).

With more than 265 deliveries, the 777 Freighter is Boeing's best-selling freighter airplane of all time. As the market leader in cargo airplanes, Boeing provides more than 90% of the worldwide dedicated freighter capacity, including new production and converted airplanes.

In addition to freighters, Turkish Airlines operates a fleet of Boeing airplanes that includes the 777-300ER (Extended Range), Next-Generation 737, 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner.

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 

FLEET - Maersk Air Cargo Swan’ the first 777F, (OY-MAC) coming in after painting in PDX

Maersk airline prepares to deploy first 777 freighters
Maersk continues to move forward with plans to expand its air cargo business in 2024, taking delivery of the first two 777s from Boeing for air operations.
Maersk Air Cargo offers nine flights per week from China to the U.S. with three Boeing 767-300 freighters. The aircraft are owned by Maersk but operated on its behalf by Miami-based Amerijet International. Six flights shuttle between Rockford and Hangzhou on the central China coast near Shanghai, with a connection each way in Seoul, South Korea. The other flights operate between Shenyang in northern China and South Carolina, also stopping in Seoul.
Maersk currently operates 21 Boeing 767-200 and 767-300 freighters, most of which were converted after their lives as passenger aircraft. Two factory-built 777s are expected to arrive in late summer or early fall.

Snohomish County Airport/Paine Field - KPAE, USA - Washington

Photo: Herison Riwu Kore

 

FLEET - UK’s One Air mulls more B747Fs, to add B777F

One Air (HC, London Stansted) is looking to add more B747Fs to its fleet, as well as add its first B777-F later this year, the company’s chief operating officer, Christopher Hope, told The Loadstar.

“We are open to potentially more B747 freighters to enter the fleet, but also to add our first B777-F this year. Air One expects the strong demand from China to Europe and the UK to remain, and as the fleet grows, it will support more global charter bookings,” he said.

The carrier, which launched operations in July 2023, currently operates a fleet of two B747-400(BDSF)s, G-ONEE (msn 24998) and G-UNET (msn 25075). Last year, it applied for a US Foreign Air Carrier Permit to launch operations to the United States. In it, the British cargo ACMI/charter specialist said part of its plan was to acquire more modern aircraft (potentially Boeing's B777-F) “when this is sensible for the business.”

One Air wasn't immediately available for added comment on potential arrival dates, and registrations for future aircraft.

One Air is part of a network of aviation companies controlled by Indian citizen Guneet Mirchandani. Other companies under Mirchandani’s umbrella are Aerotranscargo (F5, Chisinau International) and ROMCargo (NJ, Bucharest Henri Coanda).

CH aviation

FLEET - CMA CGM Air Cargo (France) will take delivery of three additional B777Fs in 2025 and 2026 and eight A350Fs between 2026 and 2027 as the carrier is launching transpacific routes between North America and Asia.

CMA CGM has also sold one of its four A330-200Fs, while two others were chartered by Turkish Airlines.

FLEET / ORDER - Suparna Airlines (China) plans to phase out its B747-400Fs in 2024 and transition to a fleet of up to ten B777Fs over the next three years.

 

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 - Silk Way West continues fleet expansion with latest 777 freighter

Silk Way West Airlines has taken delivery of a second Boeing 777 freighter as it looks to capitalise on growing demand.
The freighter is the second of an order for five production 777Fs made by the cargo airline in April 2021.
The first was delivered in October and the remaining three are due to be delivered gradually until 2027.

Following delivery of the freighter, the carrier now operates two 777Fs, five 747-8Fs and seven 747-400Fs based at Heydar Aliyev International Airport.
The carrier has also ordered two 777-8Fs and two A350Fs.

The Baku-based airline’s annual cargo turnover exceeds 500,000 tons, and its network covers over 40 destinations across Europe, the CIS, the Middle East, Central and Eastern Asia, and the Americas.
In line with its fleet expansion, the carrier is also planning to build a new cargo airport in Azerbaijan.
Air cargo news

FLEET - Brazil's Sideral Linhas Aéreas eyes B777-Fs, US charters

 

Sideral Linhas Aéreas (SID, Curitiba International) has signed a Letter of Intent with an undisclosed counterpart to add two B777-200Fs for cargo charters between Brazil and China, the airline said in its filing with the US Department of Transportation (DOT).

The carrier said it is planning to acquire the two B777s but did not reveal any further details. It also did not respond to ch-aviation's request for comment.

As previously reported, Sideral also plans to add its first B737-800(SF)s - N539RL (msn 28639) has already been converted but is parked at Dothan, while N237GE (msn 28591) is undergoing conversion, the ch-aviation fleets advanced module shows. Sideral said it secured six conversion slots with Aeronautical Engineers, Inc. in total, while having acquired four B737-800s for conversion so far.

The plan is a part of the "Sideral Moving Forward" strategy based on the carrier's ambition to "construct new paths" and grow in a "structured and sustainable" manner. The airline also plans to buy one or more B737 converted firefighting aircraft to operate missions in the Amazon region.

Sideral's plans, which were revealed in its application for a US Foreign Air Carrier Permit (FACP) and exemption, are also based on growth in the US and Mexico given they are a part of its strategic vision. In terms of US operations, Sideral initially aims to operate 10-12 charter flights on behalf of sports teams, musical acts and other organizations in the first year of operations. It will earmark its only passenger B737-800, PR-SLA (msn 28628), for its US operations.

The family-owned airline (Paulo Adorno and his daughter Juliana own 90% and 10%, respectively) is also in the process of obtaining its IOSA certification.

Besides the -800s, Sideral Linhas Aéreas also operates two B737-300s, three B737-300(F)s, two B737-300(QC)s, one B737-300(SF), four B737-400(F)s, three B737-400(SF)s, and two B737-500s.

CH Aviation