White Plains, N.Y., August 22, 2024 – Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc., known for its extensive Atlas Cargo operations, is set to expand its fleet by incorporating three new Boeing 747-8 freighters. This strategic move is in direct response to the surging global demand for dedicated widebody airfreight solutions, particularly driven by the booming cross-border e-commerce sector.
These additions, secured through long-term finance leases with BOC Aviation, are anticipated to become operational by the end of the third quarter of 2024, further strengthening Atlas Air’s position in the global cargo market.
“As the world’s largest operator of 747 freighters, Atlas is excited to enhance our widebody capabilities with these three advanced 747-8Fs,” stated Michael Steen, Chief Executive Officer of Atlas Air Worldwide. “This acquisition, following our earlier addition of four 747-400Fs, highlights our unwavering commitment to the 747 freighter platform and the significant value it delivers to our customers. The 747’s exceptional payload capacity and unique nose-loading feature are critical assets in today’s demanding airfreight environment.”
Steen further emphasized the sustained high demand for large widebody freighters and the company’s proactive approach: “With a robust pipeline of opportunities, we are well-positioned to deploy these aircraft under attractive long-term agreements. Our continuous investments in both fleet and innovation enable us to offer unparalleled operational flexibility, ensuring world-class service and reinforcing our role as a trusted partner for our global customer base seeking reliable atlas cargo solutions.”
The partnership with BOC Aviation is also lauded as a strategic advantage. Steven Townend, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of BOC Aviation, commented, “Atlas Air’s unparalleled expertise in operating Boeing 747 freighter aircraft makes them the ideal partner for us in deploying these next-generation aircraft. This transaction underscores our capability to provide crucial capacity solutions to airline clients amidst record-high global airfreight volumes, supporting the efficient movement of atlas cargo worldwide.”
The Boeing 747-8F: A Cornerstone for Atlas Cargo Operations
The 747-8 freighter stands out as the most advanced and environmentally conscious widebody freighter available. It offers unmatched load capacity, boasting a 20% increase in payload compared to the 747-400F and a 25% advantage over the 777-200LRF. Furthermore, the 747-8F achieves a 16% reduction in fuel consumption relative to the 747-400F, aligning with growing sustainability concerns in the aviation industry.
Uniquely, the 747-8 freighter is the only factory-built freighter equipped with nose-loading capabilities, a feature of significant value for handling oversized and specialized cargo, thus enhancing the versatility of atlas cargo services. Atlas Air’s fleet already includes 65 Boeing 747 aircraft, comprising 17 747-8Fs, 39 747-400Fs, five passenger 747-400s, and four Large Cargo Freighters (LCFs), solidifying its leadership in operating this iconic aircraft for global cargo transport.
About Atlas Air Worldwide: Leaders in Global Aviation Logistics
Atlas Air Worldwide is a premier global provider of outsourced aircraft and aviation operating services. As the parent company of Atlas Air, Inc., Titan Aviation Holdings, Inc., and the majority shareholder of Polar Air Cargo Worldwide, Inc., Atlas Air provides an extensive range of aircraft solutions. The company operates the world’s largest 747 freighter fleet and offers a diverse selection of Boeing 747, 777, 767, and 737 aircraft for both domestic and international cargo and passenger operations. Their commitment to excellence positions them as a key player in facilitating global trade and atlas cargo movement.
About BOC Aviation: A Global Aircraft Leasing Leader
BOC Aviation is a leading global aircraft operating leasing company managing a fleet of 680 aircraft, owned, managed, and on order. As of June 30, 2024, its leased fleet served 93 airlines across 47 countries and regions. Listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEx code: 2588) and headquartered in Singapore, BOC Aviation maintains a global presence with offices in Dublin, London, New York, and Tianjin. For further details, please visit www.bocaviation.com.
