Atlas Air: A key player in cargo aviation despite lesser-known status

Atlas Air, a North American cargo airline, operates as a subsidiary of Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings and is based in White Plains, New York. Despite being lesser-known compared to major airlines like Delta, American, and United Airlines, Atlas Air plays a significant role in the commercial aviation industry. The airline is recognized as the world's largest operator of the Boeing 747 with 61 aircraft and serves over 300 destinations globally.

Founded in 1992 by Michael Chowdry, Atlas Air initially aimed to become a leading aircraft lessor. Its first major customer was China Airlines in 1993. By 1995, the company went public and expanded rapidly by ordering Boeing 747-400 freighters in 1997. However, financial struggles led to bankruptcy on January 30th, 2004. After restructuring, it resumed operations by July of that year.

In subsequent years, Atlas Air secured significant contracts including one from the United States Air Force for training pilots for Air Force One. In 2010, it began operating Boeing's Dreamlifter and continued fleet expansion throughout the decade. The acquisition of Southern Air for $110 million in 2016 brought further growth.