Kuehne+Nagel has put into operation its first Boeing 747-8 Freighter as part of the long-term charter agreement with Atlas Air, Inc.
Air freight expansion
Kuehne+Nagel noted that it is expanding its air freight network by chartering the entire capacity of the very last two 747-8F aircraft from their delivery by Boeing.
During the official ceremony at the Boeing Everett Delivery Center in Everett, WA, the Boeing 747-8F under the name "Inspire" was handed over to Kuehne+Nagel.
"The most capable freighter aircraft in the world will support Kuehne+Nagel customers with highly reliable service, reduced transit times and minimised risks," Kuehne+Nagel said.
"In addition to the Transpacific routings, the new service will be linked with the Kuehne+Nagel Intra-Asia network to provide customers with better connectivity within the growing region of Asia Pacific," it added.
Yngve Ruud, member of the management board of Kuehne+Nagel, responsible for Air Logistics, lauded the turnover and takeoff of the aircraft as a "very special moment" for Kuehne+Nagel.
"Together with the very last 747-8F that we named "Empower.", the aircraft will support our customers with reliable and flexible solutions globally, continuing the legacy of the most incredible aviation programs in history," Ruud said.
"We are delighted to celebrate this day with our partners Atlas Air and Boeing and looking forward to seeing our aircraft connecting the world," he added.
The Boeing 747-8F is fitted with advanced technology that allows for lower fuel consumption, higher capacity and unique nose-loading capability.
"This 747-8 delivery underscores the importance of our long-term strategic partnership with Kuehne+Nagel and our commitment to support their continued growth and expansion," said John Dietrich, president and chief executive officer, of Atlas Air Worldwide.
"We are very pleased to provide their first dedicated aircraft which will proudly fly in custom Kuehne+Nagel livery. The two 747-8Fs we will operate for Kuehne+Nagel will add more capacity and versatility for their network," he added.
With its advanced design and engines, the 747-8F offers a 16% improvement in fuel use and CO2 emissions per tonne and a 30% smaller noise footprint compared to the previous generation of aircraft.
"With Atlas Air taking delivery of the final 747s for its customer Kuehne+Nagel, this iconic Boeing airplane will continue to move cargo around the world for decades to come," said Kim Smith, vice president and general manager of the Boeing 747/767 Program.
"As we say goodbye to the 'Queen of the Skies,' we're proud of her legacy as an airplane that propelled aviation innovation and later laid the foundation for our family of freighters," the Boeing executive added.