Turkish Airlines is ordering three additional 777Fs from Boeing, according to a filing on Turkey’s Borsa Istanbul stock exchange. Delivery of the freighters is expected in September 2019, January 2020, and February 2020.
The Istanbul-based carrier last placed an order for three of the freighters in December 2017 and took delivery of the second aircraft in that order earlier this month. Delivery of the last outstanding aircraft in that order is expected by the end of the year, which will bring Turkish Cargo’s 777F fleet size up to five.
With the new order, Turkish is on track to operate eight 777Fs by the end of 1Q 2020.
The carrier also still operates ten A330-200Fs in its cargo network and has not indicated plans to divest itself of those freighters as it continues its double-digit year-over-year traffic growth. However, it is worth noting that two other carriers this year – Qatar Airways and Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways – have opted to eliminate or reduce the airframe type in its fleet in favor of the 777F. The ex-Etihad freighters have since found a new home with DHL Express, operated by EAT Leipzig.
Still, one benefit Turkish gains from its A330F operations can be found in the recently announced partnership with Hong Kong Air Cargo, which also operates five A330-200Fs. The shared platform offers more potential options for partnering under the agreement, the details of which have not yet been revealed.
Those interested in learning more about air freight trends in Europe and afar are invited to join us Cargo Facts EMEA, to be held 4-6 February at The Westin Grand Frankfurt. Register before 14 December to take advantage of early bird rates. To register or for more information, visit www.cargofactsemea.com.
