Atlas Air Orders Boeing 777 Freighters

Atlas Air has announced a new deal for two additional Boeing 777 Freighters.

Fleet Continues To Grow At Atlas Air

The addition of two new 777 freighters from Boeing helps address strong, ongoing customer demand for larger airfreight capacity.

Atlas Air also highlights continued growth in cross-border e-commerce shipping as a key reason for this commitment.

The two additional 777 freighters are expected to be delivered towards the second half of 2024. The deal also increases Atlas Air’s commitment to the 777F, which has proven hugely reliable for its operations.

The 777F delivers strong reliability and lower emissions, resulting in a smaller noise footprint, according to airline executives.

While there have been questions about the freight market’s rapid long-term growth, Atlas says all its expansion decisions are measured.

The expectation is that this latest transaction with Boeing will deliver solid earnings and cash flow. Additionally, they believe they can generate significant value for customers.

A Quicker Delivery Solution

For a freighter solution, the 777F can be an ideal pickup for a company facing increasing demand.

Airbus and Boeing are developing next-generation freighters, and their first deliveries will likely occur later this decade.

However, acquiring 777Fs could lead to deliveries far sooner and, for Atlas Air, offer a quicker solution to the growing airfreight market they’re witnessing.

Comments From Executives

We are excited to add these aircraft to our leading world-class fleet.  These come at a time when retirements of older widebody freighters will significantly increase and when the introduction of new widebody freighter capacity will be limited. We have a deep pipeline of prospective customers interested in these 777 Freighters, and we’re confident in our ability to place them under long-term agreements.

Michael Steen, Chief Executive Officer, Atlas Air Worldwide

We value our long-standing relationship with Atlas Air as the carrier expands its fleet and strengthens its position as one of the world’s leading air cargo operators. The best-selling 777 Freighter is one of the most capable twin-engine freighters flying, and provides Atlas with the capacity, fuel efficiency and operational flexibility to move cargo and goods for its customers.

Brad McMullen, Boeing Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing

The Atlas Air Fleet

Atlas Air operates with 85 in-service aircraft and four in storage per the latest fleet data.

The company relies heavily on multiple Boeing-produced types. However, it relies most heavily on the 747 series.

Currently, 43 747-400Fs, alongside eight 747-8s, remain in service with the company. The 747-400Fs average 24.1 years, while the -8s average only 5.9 years.

Atlas Air acquired the final 747 Boeing produced at the beginning of 2023 in a massive ceremony.