‘Expansion of e-commerce and express cargo markets’ drives air cargo demand, says planemaker.
Boeing has announced that UPS has placed an order for 19 B767 freighters in response to “robust” air cargo demand.
“The Boeing 767 is the most versatile aircraft we operate,” said UPS’ US Operations president, Nando Cesarone. “Our plan to purchase 19 aircraft and take delivery between 2023 and 2025 aligns with the strategy and capital expenditure forecast shared during our June 2021 Investor and Analyst Day. It also supports our sustainability efforts by making our fleet more efficient and improving reliability.”
The US planemaker said the deal adds to “a record-breaking year for Boeing freighter sales, including 80 firm orders for new widebody freighters and more than 80 orders for Boeing converted freighters. In 2021 air cargo demand has surged due to an expansion of e-commerce and express cargo markets.”
UPS ‘ rival, FedEx ordered 18 B767-300Fs in June.
Ihssane Mounir, Boeing’s senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing, commented: “This latest order for 19 jets bookends an incredible year for the Boeing freighter family. Since the program was launched, UPS has recognized the value of the 767 freighter and utilised the airplane’s outstanding cargo capabilities throughout its network. These new jets will enable UPS to meet expected near-term and long-term cargo demand with the proven economics, reliability and flexibility that are synonymous with the 767 freighter.”
Based on the 767-300ER (Extended Range) passenger jet, the 767 freighter carries up to 52.4 tons of revenue cargo with intercontinental range, serving as a flexible platform for long-haul, regional and feeder markets.
UPS was the launch customer for the 767 freighter in 1995, and since then has ordered a total of 91 of the aircraft. The carrier currently operates 236 Boeing freighters including the 747, 757, 767 and MD-11.
“Boeing’s 2021 Commercial Market Outlook forecasts an annual increase of 4% in air cargo demand (Freight Tonne Kilometres) over the next 20 years. With more than 270 orders since programme launch, the 767 freighter continues to play a key role in supporting this demand, together with a global freighter fleet predicted to grow by 70% by 2040,” Boeing added.
New Airbus freighter
Meanwhile, orders for Airbus’ new A350 freighter, which has a 109 tonne payload capability, are gathering momentum. Last month, at the Dubai Air Show, aircraft leasing company ALC became its first customer, ordering seven planes.
Earlier this year, Airbus received Board of Directors approval for a freighter derivative of the A350 “designed to meet the imminent wave of large freighter replacements and the evolving environmental requirements, shaping the future of airfreight.”
Earlier this month, Singapore Airlines (SIA) signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Airbus for seven A350Fs. The agreement will see the aircraft begin replacing the airline’s existing B747-400F fleet in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Earlier this week, firmed up an order for the purchase of four A350Fs by ocean shipping group, CMA CGM, to support its burgeoning air cargo activities. This order will bring CMA CGM’s total Airbus fleet to nine aircraft, including four A330-200F and one A330-200 to be converted into a freighter.
Covid-19 has also driven a surge in pax aircraft to freighter air conversions with the pandemic’s severe impact on passenger air travel worldwide leading to a significant reduction in bellycargo capacity.
Source: Lloyd’s
