UPS is continuing the expansion and modernisation of its freighter fleet with an order for more B767 freighters.
The express giant and Boeing yesterday announced an order for eight more Boeing B767F freighters that are due to be delivered from 2025.
The order increases UPS's B767F fleet to 108 aircraft and builds on the company's order for 19 767Fs in December 2021.
An additional 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) will enter service in late 2023.
"The additional 767s will help us continue to deliver what matters to UPS customers around the world. This is a very versatile aircraft that we operate across every region of the globe," said UPS executive vice president and president US Nando Cesarone.
"With these aircraft, our fleet will continue to be among the most modern in our industry, meeting our customers' needs while improving our efficiency, sustainability and reliability."
Ihssane Mounir, Boeing senior vice president of commercial sales and marketing, said: "This repeat order from UPS is a testament to the outstanding cargo capabilities of the 767 Freighter and further demonstrates Boeing's market leadership in the freighter segment.
"UPS will operate more than 100 767 Freighters with this order and will build its fleet of Boeing and Boeing-heritage airplanes to more than 260 airplanes. We are honored to play an important role in UPS's efforts to operate a more sustainable, more efficient fleet."
Based on the 767-300ER (Extended Range) passenger jet, the 767 freighter carries up to 52.4 tonnes of revenue cargo with intercontinental range, serving as a flexible platform for long-haul, regional and feeder markets.
UPS was the launch customer for the B767F in 1995. The carrier currently operates 238 Boeing freighters including the 747, 757, 767 and MD-11.
According to Boeing's 2022 Commercial Market Outlook forecast, carriers will require 2,795 more dedicated freighters over the next 20 years, including 940 new widebodies, 555 widebody converted freighters and 1,300 standard body conversions. The global freighter fleet will grow to 3,610 airplanes by 2041, up from 2,250 today.
UPS was the third biggest cargo carrier in 2021, according to IATA World Air Transport Statistics (WATS) data.
