KUEHNE+Nagel has put into operation its first Boeing 747-8 freighter as part of the long-term charter agreement with Atlas Air.
Kuehne+Nagel is expanding its air freight network by chartering the entire capacity of the very last two 747-8F aircraft from their delivery by Boeing.
During the official ceremony at the Boeing Everett Delivery Center in Everett, Washington, the Boeing 747-8F named Inspire was handed over to Kuehne+Nagel.
Kuehne+Nagel management board member responsible for air logistics Yngve Ruud said seeing the aeroplane take off was a special moment.
“Together with the very last 747-8F that we named Empower, the aircraft will support our customers with reliable and flexible solutions globally, continuing the legacy of the most incredible aviation programs in history,” he said.
“We are delighted to celebrate this day with our partners Atlas Air and Boeing and looking forward to see our aircraft connecting the world.”
Atlas Air Worldwide president and CEO John Dietrich said the delivery underscores the importance of the company’s long-term strategic partnership with Kuehne+Nagel.
“We are very pleased to provide their first dedicated aircraft which will proudly fly in custom Kuehne+Nagel livery,” Mr Dietrich said.
“The two 747-8Fs we will operate for Kuehne+Nagel will add more capacity and versatility for their network.”
Boeing vice-president, and manager of the 747/767 program, Kim Smith said the iconic Boeing aeroplane will continue to move cargo around the world for decades to come.
“As we say goodbye to the Queen of the Skies, we’re proud of her legacy as an airplane that propelled aviation innovation and later laid the foundation for our family of freighters,” she said.
