ABX Air said it has agreed to purchase a 767-200ER from Air China and convert it to a freighter for long-haul international operations. The US-based cargo carrier said the total cost to acquire and convert the aircraft will bearound US$23 million.

ABX primarily operates as a DHL subservice carrier in the US, but is eager to grow non-DHL operations outsideNorth America.

“We continue to expand our presence in the ACMI charter industry and look forward to adding this aircraft to our 767s already deployed with ACMI customers serving the South American and Asia/Pacifi c markets,” president and CEO Joe Hete said.

The 767 will be delivered to ABX Air in the fourth quarter and then sent to VEM Maintenance & Engineering in Brazil for conversion. It is expected to enter service in the second quarter of 2008.