ANA Holdings has placed an order for two Boeing 777 Freighters in response to growing cargo demand in Asia, China and North America.

According to ANA Cargo, the two new aircraft, which are scheduled to be delivered in 2019, will enable it to transport oversized cargo and special items such as aircraft engines, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, lithium batteries and pharmaceuticals in large quantities.

“Air cargo is an essential part of global trade growth,” said Hiroshi Sugiguchi, vice president of corporate planning and administration at ANA Cargo. “We are committed to playing a critical role in further advancing Japan’s economic growth through trade and these new freighter airplanes will help us accomplish our goal. ANA will ensure that our cargo operations reflect the five-star service that we have garnered over the past several years.”

The carrier plans to fly the new 777Fs on international routes to Asia and North America.

ANA also operates the 767F and will become the first Japanese operator of the 777F.

“We are honoured that a world-class operator such as ANA has decided to grow their cargo business with the 777 Freighter,” said Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president of commercial sales and marketing at The Boeing Company. “This order further validates the market leadership of the 777 Freighter and its outstanding range, payload capabilities and reliability.”

ANA indicated in February 2018 that it would introduce large freighters as part of its mid-term corporate strategy for the fiscal years 2018-2022.

The 777 Freighter is capable of flying 4,900 nautical miles with a payload of 102 tonnes.