Based on the “improved air freight environment and customer demand”, Atlas Air Worldwide has agreed to acquire a new B747-8 freighter from Boeing with delivery scheduled for November 2015. Prior to its expected placement in longer-term ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance) service, the company intends to deploy the aircraft in profitable charter operations, “taking advantage of the aircraft’s superior fuel efficiency, range, capacity and loading capabilities,” it said.

To meet additional charter demand, Atlas Air Worldwide is also returning an owned B747-400 converted freighter to active service, with the aircraft resuming operations this month. At the same time, the company has entered into a short-term operating lease expected to begin in late June for a second B747-400 converted freighter, although this lease is intended to replace a similar aircraft, with a lease that expires this month, on terms that are more favourable to the company.

In addition, the company has expanded its Titan Dry Leasing portfolio by acquiring two B767 aircraft. These will be leased to DHL Express following their conversion from passenger to freighter configuration in the fourth quarter of this year. They complement a B757 freighter recently dry leased to DHL by Titan following the conclusion of a previous customer lease.