Nippon Cargo Airlines (NCA) has given a few more details on the reasons behind its decision to cancel a $1.5bn order for four Boeing 747-8Fs.
In a statement to Air Cargo News the Japanese all-cargo carrier said: “Market conditions have really changed since 2007 when we went ahead with firm orders of 14 new 747-8Fs.
“Under the NCA business plan, we have reviewed the number of cargo planes necessary for our operation and we have come to an agreement with Boeing whereby we will continue to operate the said 747-400Fs and reduce the number of 747-8Fs (cancelling orders).”
It continued: “NCA does not intend to order other type of freighters in the longer term at this moment. As we stated, NCA’s order backlog of 747-8Fs will stand at two.”
NCA, one of the launch customers for the 747-8 freighter in 2005, currently operates five Boeing 747-400Fs and eight 747-8Fs, according to its website.
The 747-8 freighter version, with a 140 tonne payload capacity, has a list price of $380m and is Boeing's second-most expensive aircraft.
