Boeing’s 747 Snags a $5.3 Billion Lifeline From UPS

[YYZSaabGuy]

Good news for those of us who are fans of this iconic widebody: the largest 747 order in 9 years. Some interesting developments in the air cargo space these days, between Amazon getting into the business and adding capacity, and now one of the incumbents adding brand new 747s: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles ... -747-order. From the link:

United Parcel Service Inc. is ordering 14 Boeing Co. 747-8 airplanes and holds options for another 14 of the air freighters, tossing a lifeline to the venerable jumbo jet.

The deal is valued at $5.3 billion based on list prices, before discounts that are customary for aircraft purchases, and may provide the first signs of an air-cargo recovery that would spur demand for the iconic hump-backed plane dubbed the “Queen of the Skies.”

UPS will deploy the front-loading cargo planes on international routes while shifting some earlier-model 747s to domestic flying, the Atlanta-based courier said Thursday. The jets, which will be delivered over a three-year period starting in 2017, will begin a “cascade” of aircraft-route reassignments that will add significant capacity to the company’s busiest lanes.

“UPS is making several strategic capital investments for increased global operating capacity,” Chief Executive Officer David Abney said in a statement.

The order is the largest Boeing has landed for the redesigned 747 since November 2007, according to Boeing’s website. It gives new credence to Boeing’s forecast of a late-decade replacement cycle for older air-cargo jets, which may revive the half-century-old 747 program.

[schnitzel2k3]

Great to see.

Too bad nothing within Canada. I remember flying on the 747 as a kid, and visiting the cockpit while Canadian Airlines was still around.

Just an iconic bird, but everyone is going to the double fans nowadays, which economically makes lots of sense. I guess when the largest and I would argue most efficient international cargo carrier (FedEx) doesn't use them, there is likely sound reasoning, especially when they are tied to Boeing's hip.

S.

[moocow]

Does the community think Airbus really miss the boat (plane?) on cancelling the A380-F?

[fish4life]

One of probably many problems with a 380F is a lot of the airports that cargo companies use may not be able to support it. Also it's not like the 747F is selling in the couple hundreds so another aircraft option may not have helped.

[xsbank]

UPS - order anything and have it shipped from anywhere on the planet and UPS will pooch it. Nice jets though.