New Freighters for Qantas?

Note: The following article is excerped from the current issue of Cargo Facts Update. We encourage those of you who do not already subscribe to the weekly Update, and its companion the monthly printed Cargo Facts newsletter, to click here for more information.

New freighters for Qantas? According to reports in the Australian media, QANTAS FREIGHT (the cargo arm of flag carrier Qantas) is considering leasing 747-8Fs or 777Fs with an agreement to be announced in the next few months. Qantas Freight currently ACMI-leases three 747-400Fs from ATLAS AIR WORLDWIDE HOLDINGS, and it is not clear whether the 747-8Fs would simply replace the current -400Fs or whether they would be in addition to the current fleet. Likewise, no source has been specified for the potential lease of 777Fs. In addition to 747-400Fs, Qantas Freight also AMCI-leases one 767-300F from US-based AIR TRANSPORT INTERNATIONAL. Atlas, which currently operates eighteen 747-400Fs on ACMI lease for various carriers, has twelve 747-8Fs on firm order with BOEING. BRITISH AIRWAYS is so far the only announced customer for the Atlas 747-8Fs. (It will replace the three -400Fs it currently leases with -8Fs.)

If you are interested in a detailed analysis of recent changes to the worldwide freighter fleet, please join us in Atlanta next week (May 2 & 3) for the annual ACMG Workshop. Click here for full details or to register.