Maersk Air Cargo Sets Its Sights on Expansion Despite Air Cargo Challenges

Maersk Air Cargo said it will remain open to new opportunities to grow its freighter fleet, despite the current challenging air cargo market conditions.

The company, which launched operations last year, isn’t ready to provide details on any future freighter plans, but explains there may be a mix of newbuilds and conversions that are purchased as well as leased and under ACMI contracts.

“So we always look at what our network and customer needs are. And then we look at which supplier is financially, commercially and operationally the best option. And that could be a mix of brands and fleet types.”

The airline currently has a fleet of 25 freighters, although several of these are operated on behalf of express firm UPS.

Included in the fleet are three owned, newbuild Boeing 767-300Fs that were purchased by Maersk last year and are being operated by Miami-headquartered cargo airline Amerijet between the US and the Republic of Korea (South Korea), as well as the US and China.

This is in addition to five 767-300P2F (passenger to freighter) aircraft leased through ATSG’s Cargo Aircraft Management (CAM). The aircraft are being operated by Maersk Air Cargo, which is awaiting delivery of one further aircraft.

Maersk Air Cargo is also due to receive two newbuild 777Fs next year, to be operated by the airline.