Atlas Air, Inc., a subsidiary of Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc., announced it has taken delivery of a Boeing 777 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).
Atlas Air said this is the third of four Boeing 777 Freighters that it will operate for MSC, which will complement the existing weekly service and add an additional route from Hong Kong (HKG) to Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW).
The fourth aircraft is expected to be delivered later this year.
"The delivery of this new 777 Freighter is a proud moment for Atlas and a testament to our long-term strategic partnership with MSC," said Richard Broekman, chief commercial officer and head of sustainability at Atlas Air Worldwide.
"We are proud to support the ongoing expansion of MSC's air cargo solution by providing additional speed, flexibility and reliability to their existing network. We look forward to this third 777 Freighter entering into service for MSC and will welcome the arrival of the fourth later this year," he added.
Jannie Davel, senior vice president of Air Cargo, MSC, noted that this latest 777 Freighter delivery accounts for a strategic addition to our MSC Air Cargo fleet, enabling us to address the market's constantly changing demands and reinforcing our commitment to enhancing trade connections for our clients.
"We are driven by innovation and bound to keep up with digital transformation while offering air freight of top-quality services worldwide."
MSC enters the air cargo industry with the longest range and most capable twin-engine freighter flying, known for its high reliability, fuel efficiency and lower maintenance and operating costs.
The 777 Freighter has a range of 4,970 nautical miles (9,200 km) and a maximum structural payload of 235,900 pounds (107 tonnes).
The announcement said the 777 Freighter also meets quota count standards for maximum accessibility to noise‑sensitive airports around the globe.
