Atlas Air has expanded its strategic agreement with Nippon Cargo Airlines with the addition of three Boeing 747-400 Freighters to the existing operation.

According to Atlas Air, the three aircraft are owned by NCA and will be operated on key routes in the trans-Pacific market. They are scheduled to enter service in April, July and September 2019.

“We are delighted to grow our partnership with Nippon Cargo Airlines,” said William J. Flynn, president and chief executive officer of Atlas Air Worldwide. “NCA has selected Atlas Air to operate its entire 747-400F fleet, and we look forward to continuing to provide NCA and its customers with an unmatched service and a platform for future global expansion.”

The new agreement brings the total number of 747-400Fs operated by Atlas on behalf of NCA to five.

“The partnership with Atlas has enabled NCA to expand our network to capture growth opportunities throughout Asia,” said Hitoshi Oshika, president and chief executive officer of NCA. “The addition of these three aircraft will allow NCA to provide our customers with additional air freight capacity, especially for the growing e-commerce business.”

Atlas Air expanded its agreement with NCA to add a second 747-400F in August 2017.