Atlas Air takes delivery a new Boeing 747-8F

Atlas Air announced Thursday that it has taken delivery of a new Boeing 747-8 Freighter, which it 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. The aircraft is the first of four new 747-8 freighters Atlas expects to receive from Boeing this year.

→ LATAM receives its third Boeing 767BCF.

The addition of this 747-8F expands Cainiao’s service between China, the United States, Brazil and Chile aboard the most capable, technologically advanced and environmentally friendly widebody freighter, which provides 20% greater payload capacity and 16% lower fuel burn than the very capable 747-400F.

“These four new 747-8s allow us to offer our customers significant growth opportunities to take advantage of strong demand and deliver value on what we believe is one of the best and most versatile widebody freighters on the market,” said Michael T. Steen, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Atlas Air Worldwide. “We are pleased that the first of our new 747s will be placed long-term with Cainiao as they continue to strengthen their presence as a global e-commerce logistics leader, and we look forward to continuing to support their growth and expansion.”