Guy Norris/SEATTLE
Atlas Air has confirmed interest in expanding its operations beyond the Boeing 747-200F and 747-400F freighters with a new mid-size aircraft.
"We are considering a 50-60t aircraft" says the Colorado-based cargo airline's president and chief executive, Michael Chowdry. Although Atlas has expanded its fleet with used 747-200Fs, it is now growing with new 747-400Fs and has a "preference for a new aircraft" when it comes to the potential new freighter. The Airbus A300F and Boeing 767-300F are thought to be under consideration, although Chowdry says nothing has yet been ruled out. The acquisition of ex-passenger Boeing MD-11s could also be a possibility.
"It could have two, three or even four engines- but it must run pretty close to the operating costs of the 747-400," he adds.
Chowdry was speaking at the handover of Atlas Air's first 747-400F at Boeing's Everett site in Washington. The aircraft will enter service with British Airways next week between London Stansted and Hong Kong. It is the first of 10 aircraft on firm order. A second -400F, due for delivery within the month, will be placed on a similar multi-year lease deal with Cargolux Airlines. Three more -400Fs due for delivery by the end of 1998 will be placed with unidentified client airlines which will be named "in the next few weeks" says Chowdry.
Atlas is scheduled to accept a further four -400Fs in 1999 and one in 2000, though Chowdry adds there is "-some possibility we may bring the optioned aircraft [10] into 1999, depending on availability". The carrier remains confident that all the aircraft will be placed with operators, despite the numbers involved. Its fleet of 747-200Fs has been expanded to 19 with the delivery of two ex-Philippine Airlines -200SFs after conversion work at Boeing Wichita.
Source: Flight International
