UPS announced that it is buying eight new 767-300ER freighters from Boeing to meet the growing global demand for air transport.

The additional freighter order will increase UPS' 767 Freighter fleet to 108 airplanes, enabling the carrier to further modernize and sustainably grow its fleet.

"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," said Nando Cesarone, UPS executive vice president and president of U.S. 

UPS said these aircraft will also help meet demand in high-growth areas like healthcare, small business and international markets ⁠— being the most versatile in its fleet for connecting U.S. domestic and international markets.

Scheduled delivery from 2025

For his part, Jim Joseph, UPS Airlines president said the first of the new aircraft is scheduled for delivery in 2025 and will give UPS flexibility within its fleet to meet future demand.

"The 767 offers an excellent combination of payload and range for our customers. The new aircraft also will help modernize our fleet while improving our efficiency, sustainability and reliability," Joseph added.

Air cargo continues to play a crucial role in global trade, from supporting supply chains to expanding e-commerce. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has estimated that global air cargo revenue in 2021 was more than double the revenue in pre-pandemic 2019.

"UPS will operate more than 100 767 Freighters with this order and will build its fleet of Boeing and Boeing-heritage airplanes to more than 260 airplanes. We are honoured to play an important role in UPS' efforts to operate a more sustainable, more efficient fleet," said Ihssane Mounir, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing.

UPS will begin taking delivery of these new airplanes in 2025, with an additional 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) entering service in late 2023. This purchase builds on UPS' order for 19 767 Freighters in December 2021.

Based on the 767-300ER (Extended Range) passenger jet, the 767 Freighter carries up to 52.4 tonnes of revenue cargo with intercontinental range, serving as a flexible platform for the long-haul, regional and feeder markets.

UPS was the launch customer for the 767 Freighter in 1995 and has purchased a total of 108 of the model. It currently operates 238 Boeing freighters including the 747, 757, 767 and MD-11.