Qantas Eyes Growth in Freight Market

Australian national carrier Qantas is understood to be studying the introduction of modern generation widebodied freighters into its fleet. The carrier already offers a dedicated cargo service using three Boeing 747-400Fs wet-leased from Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance (ACMI) provider Atlas Air but sources familiar with the matter suggest it could look to acquire either 747-8F or 777F models. It has reportedly already ruled out the smaller Airbus A330-200F.

Qantas has been a long-time operator of the 747 but despite expressing a lot of interest in the 777 it has never committed to the programme. A formal announcement is expected to be made in the coming months but the airline is tight lipped about its plans.