AirBridgeCargo Expands its Capabilities

Russian scheduled cargo carrier AirBridgeCargo Airlines (ABC) is looking to further expand its network and increase its offering in existing markets after introducing the first of five Boeing 747-8F freighters into its fleet. The aircraft was formally handed over on January 26, 2012 and joins older 747-400 and -400ERF variants in ABC’s fleet.

"The introduction of the Boeing 747-8F represents a huge commitment to our customers since we are investing in state of the art equipment to further expand our network," said Tatyana Arslanova, Executive President, AirBridgeCargo Airlines. "We have a firm belief that our established and new customers will greatly benefit from the additional features the airplane will provide such as enhanced payload."

The 747-8F is 250 feet, 2 inches (76.3 m) long, which is 18 feet and 4 inches (5.6 m) longer than its predecessor, the 747-400F. The stretch provides customers with 16 per cent more revenue cargo volume, which translates to four additional main-deck pallets and three additional lower-hold pallets.

The addition of the 747-8 to ABC's fleet is an important step in its long-term business strategy. The airline is due to receive its second and third examples in March and September 2012 and the last two aircraft on order are scheduled for delivery in 2013. In addition, ABC has options for five more 747-8s. The arrival of the new equipment will enable ABC to retire older models and at the end of the year it plans to have a fleet of three 747-8Fs and eight 747-400s.