Aircraft lessor GECAS has acquired a Boeing 747-8 freighter from Boeing Capital Corp and will continue the existing aircraft lease with AirBridgeCargo (ABC) which has the jet in its fleet.

This transaction expands lessor's decade-long relationship with the airline, which operates an all-747 fleet including two 747-400ERFs from GECAS.

“We are pleased to continue our support of AirBridgeCargo Airlines with this acquisition,” said Richard Greener, GECAS’ senior vice president and manager cargo, noting that “the 747-8F provides approximately 20 tonnes of additional revenue freight versus the 747-400F, along with efficient GEnx-2B67 engines.”

Sergey Lazarev, general director at ABC, said that the carrier "has been committed to Boeing’s 747, which is ideally suited to our business model and network".

He continued: "Additionally, the type enables us to meet our customers’ expectations, both for general and special cargo delivery. Today we are on the path of fleet renewal, with smooth replacement of older 747-400Fs with state-of-the-art 747-8Fs.

"Our cutting-edge fleet of 747-8F aircraftis key to our overall success and further development. Our long-term relationship with GECAS allows us to continue our customer-focused service quality enhancements.”

An interview with Lazarev will feature in the November issue of Air Cargo News.

Read more freighter operator news