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Atlas Air to Add Four Boeing 777 Freighters

An Atlas Air 777 Freighter (Photo: Boeing)

Last year has certainly been a drier year for Chicago-based aircraft manufacturing Boeing with production issues and fewer orders as opposed to fellow rival Airbus, especially with several notable airline customers who have switched to the Toulouse-based aircraft manufacturer.

Fortunately for Boeing, the manufacturer seems to be getting a slightly better start to this year as it managed to turn the tables on Airbus after securing an agreement with Allegiant Air, and it looks like the manufacturer’s fortune may be turning towards gold as more orders from other airlines pour in.

An Order From Atlas Air

Considered as one of the leading cargo-dedicated airlines in the world that also happens to operate the largest fleet of Boeing 747 aircraft, with nearly 50 in its fleet – Atlas Air will also be receiving the final four 747s from the manufacturer as the production for the iconic jumbo jet came to an end last year.

Hence, it would only make sense that as Atlas Air continues to show its loyalty to Boeing, the cargo airline would be settling for the twin-engined workhorse it placed an order for an additional four 777-200LRFs as means to increase capacity to meet the roaring demand for e-commerce worldwide, as well as express cargo demand.

“We are honored that Atlas Air Worldwide, as a global leader in airfreight, has once again selected to grow with Boeing and our freighter family. As air cargo demand continues to grow, we’re confident that the efficiency, capability and flexibility of our freighter family will meet customer needs now and in the future,” said Ihssane Mounir, Boeing Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing in a statement.

The first of the four new 777-200LRFs is expected to be delivered in November 2022 with the other three expected to be delivered throughout 2023. This new order will bolster the cargo airline’s 777 fleet – which currently includes 14 freighters that the company operates or provides to customers on a dry-lease basis through its Titan Aviation Leasing subsidiary.

“We are excited to expand our fleet and service offerings for our existing and prospective customers with these four new 777s. These new aircraft will advance our strategic growth plan as we continue to capitalize on strong demand for dedicated airfreight capacity,” said John W. Dietrich, Atlas Air Worldwide President and Chief Executive Officer in a press release.

Airbus vs. Boeing

Fortunately for Boeing, the Atlas order will be counted for 2021 instead of 2022 and will be aiding in making it the best year for Boeing on record for freighter sales, ensuring that the crown for domineering the freighter market still remains on its side.

Although the freighter market is booming alongside the cargo industry and even as Boeing has hinted at a possibility of a new freighter based on the 777X, but rival Airbus has already taken massive strides with its A350F.

Even with Boeing’s current line of existing freighters shining brightly for huge cargo airlines such as Atlas Air and UPS, but the uncertainty still remains with other customers such as Cargolux, FedEx Express and Emirates SkyCargo.

Charlotte Seet

Author

  • Charlotte Seet

    Fascinated by aircraft from a very young age, Charlotte’s dream was to work alongside the big birds one day. Pursuing her dream, she went on to achieve her diploma in Aviation Management and is currently working on her degree in Aviation Business in Administration with a minor in Air Traffic Management. When she’s not busy with school assignments, you can find her aircraft spotting for long hours at the airport. In Charlotte’s heart, the Queen of the Skies will always be her favorite aircraft.

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