CargoLogicAir adds fourth B747 freighter

Oct 26, 2018: CargoLogicAir (CLA) has recently added a 747-400 freighter to its fleet, bringing the airline’s fleet total to four units, which comprises of three 747-400Fs and a 747-8F. The UK-based carrier plans to have a fifth freighter operating in its fleet by 2020.

The newest addition to the fleet is on an operational lease from Amentum Aircraft Leasing.

David Kerr, CEO of CargoLogicAir said, “2018 has been our busiest year of operations so far with volumes and revenues doubling in the first nine months compared to last year. The delivery of our fourth 747F will enable us to meet peak season demand, especially in our core US market, and increase our options in terms of frequencies and new routes as we head into 2019. We are continuing to consult with our customers to identify where they need main deck cargo capacity and expect to be adding new destinations to our network in the first quarter of next year.”

CargoLogicAir reported cargo volumes and revenues had doubled in the first three quarters of 2018, compared to last year. CLA’s fleet meanwhile, has remained stable since May 2017, when it added its third freighter, a 747-400ERF to its fleet. The newest addition to the fleet will be utilised primarily for trans-Atlantic charter services between the UK and North America, with a particular focus on routes to the United States. Following this year’s peak season, CLA expects to add new scheduled services to its network.

Having taken delivery of both new-build production freighters directly from Boeing (747-8F) as well as hand-me-downs from the AirBridgeCargo fleet, CLA could add either type in the future. Earlier this year, Volga-Dnepr Group and its affiliate CargoLogicHolding signed several agreements with Boeing, including a firm order for five 747-8 freighters, and a letter of intent to purchase up to twenty-nine 777 freighters.

Returning to operations at CLA, apart from its hub in the UK, the carrier is also planning to increase its presence at Liege Airport. Earlier this month, Volga-Dnepr said that its airlines will eventually operate up to thirty cargo flights per week at the airport, up from ten weekly AirBridgeCargo flights flying currently.