Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO Stephanie Pope with National Airlines chairman Christopher Alf announcing their order agreement.
The first Boeing order at the Farnborough Airshow has been placed by National Airlines, a Florida-based cargo and passenger charter operator.
The airline signed a firm order Monday for four 777F freighters, with deliveries expected to begin before the end of next year. National hopes to take two aircraft in the fourth quarter of 2025 and the remaining two in the first three months of 2026.
The 777Fs will join the carrier’s existing fleet of nine Boeing 747-400Fs. It also operates two passenger aircraft—one Airbus A330 and a single Boeing 757.
Speaking at a press conference, National chairman Christopher Alf explained the 777Fs would be for growth, rather than replacing older aircraft. He said the oldest 747F in National’s fleet would remain with the carrier for another decade.
“This demonstrates our commitment to offering efficient, resourceful, and modern air freight services to support our global customers' increasing transportation demands,” Alf said. “The order affirms our fleet growth plan as we enter into the next chapter of National.”
Alf said that the carrier also hopes to add more 747Fs to its fleet but acknowledged there is limited availability at the present time.
National can trace its history back to 1991 when Alf founded National Air Cargo Holdings. The carrier received Blanket Open Skies Authority for cargo and passenger service in 2015.
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