The World Of Cargo Operations

Short information on the Antonov AN-225 for those who might not be aware of the significance of this aircraft.

Air France-KLM Group has now confirmed an order for the Airbus A350F. The order consists of 4 examples and will all go to Air France Cargo. "Airlines now have a choice, and we salute Air France joining those going for the A350F’s step change in efficiency and sustainability for the cargo operations of the future. We are gratified by the wave of early adopters who, like Air France, see the economics and environmental signature of the A350s as standing out versus alternatives, past, existing and future. Merci Air France." said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International. The freighter program of the Airbus A350 was announced in 2021 but has not taken off steeply. So far, there are around 30 orders for the 350 freighter from a handful of customers.

With Embraer recently unveiling the Cargo versions of their E190 and E195 platforms, news has now emerged that they have a launch customer for the new aircraft. Embraer secured its first customer for its new E-Jet passenger-to-freighter (P2F) program as Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC) signed an agreement in principle to take 10 slots for E190F/E195F conversions. In 2024 NAC expects to start taking deliveries.

Sam Chui rides along on a Silkway Boeing 747-8F.

FedEx Express AT726F assembly.

UPS has taken delivery of its final new Boeing 747 freighter. With the delivery UPS now has 41 747 freighters in its fleet with 28 of them being the more modern 747-8F (pictured below).

Sam Chui takes an IL76F from Azerbaijan to Iraq.

Silk Way West Airlines signs for two Airbus A350Fs. Mr. Wolfgang Meier, President of Silk Way West Airlines, commented: "We are delighted to sign the first but surely not the last agreement with Airbus, which marks the start of what I am sure will be a very fruitful partnership as we strive for future growth. Today, our guests witnessed a defining moment in Silk Way West Airlines’ history. I am confident of the success that the acquisition of these new aircraft will bring us. The signing of this agreement marks a new milestone in the growth of our company. There is no doubt that this agreement will strengthen the company's leading position in the global air freight market over the next 15-20 years."

"I welcome Silk Way West Airlines as a new Airbus customer. The A350F is a game changer in efficiency and sustainability for the cargo operations of the future. We look forward to demonstrating how positively the economics and environmental signature of the A350s will stand out versus older generation aircraft." said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International.

The A350F is based on the world's most modern long range leader, the A350. The aircraft will feature a large main deck cargo door and a fuselage length optimiZed for cargo operations. Over 70% of the airframe is made of advanced materials resulting in a 30 tonnes lighter take-off weight, which together with efficient Rolls-Royce engines generate an advantage of at least 20% lower fuel burn and CO2 emissions over its current closest competitor. With a 109 tonnes payload capability (+3t payload / 11% more volume than its competition), the A350F serves all cargo markets (Express, general cargo, special cargo…) and is in the large freighter category the only new generation freighter aircraft ready on-time for the enhanced ICAO CO₂ emissions standards.

Looks like ANA is making a conversion of a previous 777X order. The initial announcement involved ANA receiving 20 Boeing 777-9 aircraft but since then and more recently ANA switched two units from the passenger variant to be converted into freighters. So the updated order should read as 18 Boeing 777-9 and 2 Boeing 777-9F.

A look at cargo logistics company DHL.

Etihad Cargo is scaling up its capacity with an order for the Airbus A350F. The airline has firmed for 7 units of the type from Airbus. Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said: "In building one of the world’s youngest and most sustainable fleets, we are delighted to extend our long-term partnership with Airbus to add the A350 Freighter to our fleet. This additional cargo capacity will support the unprecedented growth we are experiencing in the Etihad Cargo division. Airbus has developed a remarkable fuel-efficient aircraft that, in tandem with the A350-1000 in our passenger fleet, supports our commitment to reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050."

Freight logistics company UPS has made an order for 8 more Boeing 767 freighters. The incremental order will increase UPS's 767 Freighter fleet to 108 airplanes, enabling the global carrier to further modernize and sustainably grow its fleet. UPS Executive Vice President and President U.S. Nando Cesarone, commented: "The additional 767s will help us continue to deliver what matters to UPS customers around the world. This is a very versatile aircraft that we operate across every region of the globe. With these aircraft, our fleet will continue to be among the most modern in our industry, meeting our customers' needs while improving our efficiency, sustainability and reliability." The new aircraft will deliver to UPS from around 2025.

The Air France-KLM Group has placed a firm order for four A350Fs, the brand new Airbus widebody freighter, to be operated by Martinair Holland N.V., a Dutch cargo airline headquartered and based in Amsterdam Schiphol airport, and part of KLM Group. The A350F’s will allow the airline to retire its existing older generation freighters and replace them with a clean sheet cargo aircraft that offers a big step towards more sustainable cargo operations. "We are delighted to make this major step forward to the A350F. It accelerates Air France KLM Martinair Cargo sustainability ambitions with significant improvement on fuel emissions and complying with most stringent ICAO Chapter 14 for noise and CAEP 8 for NOx. We are fit for the future!" said Adriaan den Heijer, Executive Vice President Air France KLM Cargo and Managing Director Martinair.

Aero Transporte S.A. (ATSA) will become the first South American operator to opt for De Havilland Canada’s Dash 8-400 freighter conversion program. The OEM announced on Feb. 1 that it had signed a firm agreement with ATSA for a Dash 8-400 freighter conversion with a large cargo door (Dash 8-400 F-LCD).

World first cargo aircraft that has its paintwork modified with the fuel-saving AeroSHARK surface technology entered scheduled service in Frankfurt with Lufthansa Cargo. SWISS Actually has been flying the first aircraft overall to be modified with the technology and that has been in operation since October 2022. It seems 777s are the target for the new application as Lufthansa Cargo intends to equip the remainder of their 777Fs with it...so too is SWISS with their 777s.

World's last Boeing 747 delivery which happens to be a freighter...for Atlas Air...through Sam Chui's perspective.

Antonov An225 destroyed in the Russian-Ukraine conflict...how it looks today.