UPS has placed an order with Boeing for 14 747-8 Freighters, with an option for another 14.

“These aircraft are a strategic investment for increased capacity for UPS customers around the globe,” said Brendan Canavan, president of UPS Airlines. “The 747-8 will allow UPS to upsize our network in both new and existing markets.”

The aircraft will be delivered between 2017 and 2020. Each 747-8F offers 16 percent more cargo capacity than the 747-400F and can carry approximately 137 tonnes. Pilots of the carrier’s 747-400F fleet will be able to fly the -8F after a short training course.

“We benefit from the youngest fleet in the industry and we are continuously investing for both operating safety and efficiency,” said Brendan Canavan, UPS Airlines president. “This investment supports our customers’ future capacity needs while also reducing fuel use and emissions, which enhances UPS Airlines’ position as an industry leader in sustainability.”

Boeing lowered the production rate of the 747-8 programme to 0.5 per month because of reduced demand. Russia’s Volga-Dnepr Group finalized the acquisition terms for 20 747-8Fs at the Farnborough International Airshow in July 2016, including four that had already been delivered.

Apart from the new UPS order, the only -8Fs left to be delivered are two for AirBridgeCargo, one for Korean Air Cargo, two for Nippon Cargo Airlines and one for Silk Way Airlines.

“UPS could not have selected a better aircraft to meet its growing business needs,” said Brad McMullen, vice president of sales for North America and leasing at Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We’ve continued to make the 747-8 Freighter even better, and we look forward to seeing UPS introduce it to its fleet.”

UPS operates a fleet of 236 aircraft, consisting of Airbus A300-600Fs, 747-400Fs, 757-200Fs, 767-300ERFs and MD-11Fs, as well as 305 other aircraft that are chartered or on short-term lease.