MAERSK Air Cargo has taken delivery of the first of two new Boeing 777 freighters.

The two aircraft, ordered in November 2021, have been part of Maersk’s plan for its air freight division since the launch of Maersk Air Cargo the following year.

The first aircraft was handed over at Boeing’s headquarters in Seattle. It was due to arrive at Billund Airport in Denmark – its home airport – over the weekend (13 July). It is also the first Boeing 777 owned by a Danish airline.

The second 777F is due for delivery later in Q3.

Maersk Air Cargo plans to deploy both aircraft on its existing Europe-China route, initially with three weekly flights, and later up to six weekly flights.

Maersk anticipates more capacity on the direct routes, shorter transit times and faster handling times at origin and destination compared with that of its current Boeing 767 freighters.

The Boeing 777F can fly up to 9200 kilometres (4970 nautical miles) and carry a maximum payload of 102,000 kilograms. The main deck fits pallets up to three metres high, and all cargo decks are temperature controlled.

Head of Maersk Air Cargo Lars Jordahn said the new aircraft are two of the largest and most reliable freighters available on the market.

“With this step we are entering the premier league of cargo aviation,” he said.

“The B777F can transport more than double of payload on each flight compared to our 767Fs, and it is the most fuel-efficient aircraft in the world with the GE90 engines.”

Narin Phol, executive VP and chief product officer for logistics and services at Maersk, said the two 777Fs would enable a more efficient route structuring and improve the availability of space.

He said there is a growing demand for an integrated supply chain, which includes air.

“Due to the disruptive environment in logistics, a rising number of cargo owners are choosing to reduce the number of service providers in their supply chain,” he said.

“Increased visibility across fewer providers enables the cargo owners to react more swiftly and much better informed in case of disruption.

“Availability of air freight capacity and full asset control are important aspects here. Both increase the levels of resilience, visibility and flexibility which are essential in these disruptive times.”

Besides its owned controlled fleet, Maersk is loading a large part of the air freight volumes also on commercial flights of other airlines.