It is all systems go over at Atlas Air, which has been firing out press releases this week – notably one confirming the appointment of its new CFO, as well as first on 28NOV23 announcing an order for two new Boeing 777-200LRF to meet widebody freighter capacity especially from the e-commerce industry, and then on 30NOV23, publishing that it had taken delivery of one new 777F which it would be operating for MSC’s Air Cargo Solution. First to the two new 777 freighters: they are expected to be delivered in the second half of 2024. Michael Steen, Chief Executive Officer, Atlas Air Worldwide, announced: “We are excited to add these aircraft to our leading world-class fleet. These come at a time when retirements of older widebody freighters will significantly increase and when the introduction of new widebody freighter capacity will be limited. We have a deep pipeline of prospective customers interested in these 777 Freighters, and we’re confident in our ability to place them under long-term agreements.”
The 777F that it took delivery of on 30NOV23, is the third in a 2021 order of four that Atlas Air placed based on a long-term ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance, insurance) agreement with MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company SA. The fourth 777 expected to be delivered this month. The new freighter will complement the existing weekly service and add an additional route from Hong Kong (HKG) to Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW).
Richard Broekman, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Sustainability, Atlas Air Worldwide, commented: “The delivery of this new 777 Freighter is a proud moment for Atlas […] We are proud to support the ongoing expansion of MSC’s air cargo solution by providing additional speed, flexibility and reliability to their existing network.” Jannie Davel, Senior Vice President, Air Cargo, MSC, added: “This latest 777 Freighter delivery accounts for a strategic addition to our MSC Air Cargo fleet, enabling us to address the market’s constantly changing demands and reinforcing our commitment to enhancing trade connections for our clients.”
Atlas Air Worldwide appointed Artem Gonopolskiy as its Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective 01DEC23, effective confirming the position since Gonopolskiy was serving as interim CFO since 15JUN23, already. An Atlas veteran of 18 years, he will now manage the company’s finance functions: strategic financial planning, accounting, reporting, internal audit, tax, treasury, and investor relations, and continues to report to Michael Steen, Atlas Chief Executive Officer.