New Cargo Aircraft Add Fleet Capacity and
Flexibility in UPS Global Air Network
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Oct. 31, 2016 /CNW/ - UPS®
(NYSE:UPS) today announced it has ordered 14 new Boeing 747-8 cargo
jets to meet increased demand for the company's air shipping
services. UPS's long term strategy is to increase customers' access
to global markets and air shipments are a major growth opportunity
for the company. The 747-8s will enable UPS to begin a cascade of
aircraft route reassignments that will add significant air capacity
to the company's busiest lanes, thereby optimizing global air
network capacity well beyond the impact of adding new cargo
jets.
"UPS is making several strategic capital investments for
increased global operating capacity," said David Abney, UPS chairman and CEO. "These
investments will help enable customers to expand their presence in
new and existing markets while fueling our profitable growth and
attainment of UPS's long term business objectives."
The 14 aircraft are to be delivered between 2017 and 2020. The
value of the contract, which also contains options for 14
additional jets in the future, was not disclosed. The new jumbo
freighters will be added to the company's existing operating fleet
of more than 500 aircraft.
In addition, the 747-8 offers training and operating
efficiencies to UPS. Pilots of the company's existing 747-400 fleet
will enjoy a common equipment rating, allowing them to fly both
aircraft types. Further, UPS will realize greater economies of
scale in maintenance and ground handling by operating the -8
aircraft.
The 747-8 freighters carry 34 shipping containers on its main
deck and 14 in its lower compartments. The -8 has a cargo
capacity of 307,600 pounds, or approximately 30,000 packages and a
range of 4,340 nautical miles. The new -8 aircraft line has a
strong industry safety and reliability record.
"We benefit from the youngest fleet in the industry and we are
continuously investing for both operating safety and efficiency,"
said Brendan Canavan, UPS Airlines
president. "This investment supports our customers' future
capacity needs while also reducing fuel use and emissions, which
enhances UPS Airlines' position as an industry leader in
sustainability."
About UPS
UPS (NYSE:UPS) is a global leader in logistics, offering a broad
range of solutions including the transportation of packages and
freight; the facilitation of international trade, and the
deployment of advanced technology to more efficiently manage the
world of business. Headquartered in Atlanta, UPS serves more than 220 countries
and territories worldwide. The company can be found on the Web at
UPS.com and its corporate blog can be found at blog.ups.com. To get
UPS news direct, visit pressroom.ups.com/RSS.
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SOURCE UPS Canada Ltd.