Maersk Air Cargo expands fleet with first Boeing 777F

The Boeing 777 Freighter is recognized as the world’s largest and most capable twin-engine freighter. It is also Boeing’s top-selling freighter model. Maersk anticipates that the addition of this aircraft will enhance its capacity and expand its network.

With global air freight volume projected to grow by over 14% between 2023 and 2028, Maersk's acquisition positions it well to meet increasing demand. The 777 Freighter boasts a structural payload of 107 tonnes and a revenue payload of 102 tonnes with a range of 4,970 nautical miles (9,204 kilometers). This capability allows for fewer stops and reduced landing fees on long-haul routes.

Currently, Maersk's fleet includes ten Boeing 767-200Fs and ten Boeing 767-300Fs. While the Triple Seven offers longer range and better fuel efficiency, the Boeing labels the 767-300 Freighter as highly versatile for medium widebody markets.

Boeing had initially planned to produce the medium widebody freighter until mid-2028 but extended production by five years due to changes in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Bill introduced in June 2023.

The air cargo industry has experienced notable growth recently. In December last year, global air cargo traffic saw a year-on-year increase of 10.8%, bringing annual figures close to those of pre-pandemic levels. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported continued growth into May this year with industry-wide Cargo Tonne-Kilometers (CTKs) rising by 14.7% year-on-year.

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