3PL/Logistics

Panalpina and Atlas Air have signed a new multi-year aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance (ACMI) contract for two Boeing 747-8F.

The aircraft will enter service in the first half of 2012 and operate in Panalpina's own-controlled air freight network, replacing the two current Boeing 747-400F.

Compared to the 747-400F, the industry's newest freighter has 16% additional cargo volume, but is expected to have the lowest carbon dioxide emissions in its class. With the new aircraft, Panalpina is set up to meet the increasing demand for large-freighter capacity; especially in the healthcare, hi-tech, automotive and oil and gas industries.

"The upgrade from the two current Boeing 747-400 to the two new Boeing 747-8 freighters is expected to deliver improved, next-generation performance in terms of payload, fuel efficiency, total cost per tonne-mile and environmental impact", said Matthias Frey, Global Head of Own Controlled Air Freight Network at Panalpina. The new production aircraft are to be delivered in the first half of 2012 and will enter service for Panalpina upon delivery.

The Boeing 747-8 freighter, also called "Dash 8", is 56 m longer than the 747-400 freighter. The additional 120 cu m of volume offers space for four additional main-deck pallets and three additional lower-deck pallets. The total cargo volume is increased by 16% to 833 cu m. The maximum payload is 139 tonnes, which is 20 tonnes more than with the 747-400F.

Content provided in partnership with Transport Intelligence.