Atlas Air, Inc., announced it has taken delivery of a Boeing 777-200 Freighter, which it will operate on behalf of its customer MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company SA, as part of a previously announced long-term ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance, insurance) agreement.

The 777-200 Freighter, which Atlas noted will complement MSC's container shipping solutions and expand service to key trade lanes for various industries, including those which traditionally have significant air cargo transportation needs.

This aircraft is the first of four new Boeing 777 Freighters that Atlas will operate for MSC.

With an established history of twin-engine efficiency, reduced fuel consumption, and lower maintenance and operating costs, MSC enters the air cargo industry with the longest-range twin-engine freighter in the world, capable of flying 4,880 nautical miles (9,038 kilometres).

The 777-200F also meets quota count standards for maximum accessibility to noise‑sensitive airports around the globe.

"We are looking forward to this partnership with MSC, the world's largest shipping company, as they enter into air cargo," said John Dietrich, president and chief executive officer, of Atlas Air Worldwide. “

"We are pleased that all four of our newly acquired 777-200Fs are placed on a long-term basis with MSC, providing them with the dedicated capacity to support their growth and expansion," he added.

Jannie Davel, senior vice president of Air Cargo at MSC, welcomed the partnership and the potential boost of the newly-established MSC AIR Cargo to the overall business and strategy of Atlas.

 "We are delighted to see the first of our MSC-branded aircraft take to the skies and we are looking forward to starting serving the market with our new Air Cargo solution,” Davel said.

"We believe that MSC Air Cargo is developing from a solid foundation thanks to the reliable ongoing support of our operating partner Atlas," the MSC executive added.