Partnering with Cainiao Network, the logistics arm of Alibaba Group, the 747-8F will build on their existing partnership and link China with the US, Brazil and Chile when it enters service in the second quarter.
In November 2021, Cainiao extended its partnership with Atlas Air to include daily charter flights supporting trade between China and Latin America.
John Dietrich, President and CEO of Atlas Air Worldwide says: “Cainiao is a leader in the fast-growing e-commerce logistics market, and we look forward to continuing to support its global network with the superior and reliable service Atlas Air provides.”
William Xiong, Chief Strategist and General Manager for Export Logistics at Cainiao adds: “We are excited to add the new Boeing freighter to our expanding partnership in response to the growing demand for e-commerce and greener logistics across the world.”
The long-term charter agreement with Kuehne + Nagel will see Atlas Air operate two 747-8Fs, with the first one joining the fleet in the third quarter, and the second joining in the fourth quarter.
Yngve Ruud, Member of the Management Board responsible for Air Logistics at Kuehne + Nagel says: “We are proud to partner with Atlas Air and include these two new Boeing 747-8Fs in our already extensive global capacity offering.”
Atlas Air released its 2021 financial results yesterday (Thursday 17 February), reporting revenue for the year increasing from $3.2bn to $4bn and net income up from $360m to $493m.
Commenting on the results, Dietrich says: “We have a dedicated and talented team of employees, a strong balance sheet, a formidable fleet of aircraft, an unparalleled network of customers and unrivalled global operating capabilities. We also have a strong position and look forward to growing our Titan dry leasing business. And our strategic focus on express, e-commerce and fast-growing markets will continue to drive our business forward.”