British Airways World Cargo 747-8 Freighter delivered to Stansted
As part of the lease agreement for three 747-8 Freighters with GSS, British Airways World Cargo will utilise the airplanes on long-haul routes to cargo hubs in Asia, Africa, India and the United States.
William J. Flynn, president and chief executive officer of Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. said: "We have been looking forward to the delivery of our first 747-8F for a long time and we are delighted that it is going into service with our valued, long-standing customer, British Airways World Cargo."
Jude Winstanley, senior vice president for IAG Cargo - comprised of BA World Cargo and Iberia Cargo - said: "The addition of the 747-8 Freighter to the fleet is an important step in our overall long-haul business strategy. The 747-8 Freighter provides us market-leading performance in terms of payload, fuel efficiency, low tonne-kilometer cost and environmental compliance."
Kevin Schemm, vice president of North America and Leasing Sales at Boeing congratulated both Atlas Air and British Airways World Cargo on their new freighter. He said: "The 747-8 Freighter will enable Atlas and British Airways World Cargo to build on their success in the air cargo market. This airplane will deliver unparalleled efficiency and low operating costs, including double-digit improvements in fuel burn and lower emissions over the 747-400 it will be replacing."
The new 747-8 Freighter is 250 feet, 2 inches (76.3 m) long, which is 18 feet and 4 inches (5.6 m) longer than its predecessor, the 747-400 Freighter. The stretch provides customers with 16% more revenue cargo volume, which translates to four additional main-deck pallets and three additional lower-hold pallets. The 747-8 Freighters will be powered with GE's GEnx-2B engines.
Arriving at London Stansted direct from Boeing’s factory in Seattle - in full BA livery - to a water cannon salute performed by the airport’s fire service just before 7.30am this morning, the state-of-art jet is thought to be the biggest aircraft registered in the UK.
Stansted Airport’s managing director, Nick Barton, said: "We're delighted IAG Cargo, through its brand British Airways World Cargo, has selected Stansted as their UK base from where its three new generation 747-8F will operate. Stansted is already London’s second busiest cargo airport and third overall in the UK and the introduction of these planes will increase our operational capabilities and provide a boost to businesses in the region looking to expand and exploit new markets and opportunities.
"We have invested millions in upgrading our infrastructure to accommodate the new generation of super jets, and last year we gained official approval to operate the world’s largest aircraft. Today is a major milestone in the history of the airport as we welcome the first 747-8F.
"The arrival of these fantastic new jets not only increases our operational and business capabilities but they also bring significant environmental benefits as they are 30% quieter and produce 16% less emission than the aircraft they replace. This is also very welcome news as we continue to drive down our operational effects on the communities around the airport."
