Qantas has welcomed their latest fleet addition today, after their first of two Boeing 747-8 Freighters touched down in Sydney.
Operated by Atlas Air, on behalf of Qantas, the new 747-8 Freighters are part of an extended agreement that will see Qantas work with Australia Post.
Compared to their existing fleet of Boeing 747-400 Freighters, the new 747-8 models will allow for 20 percent more freight capacity and seven additional pallets.
Additionally, the iconic opening nose of the 747 Freighter will allow for abnormally sized cargo to be loaded.
Qantas Freight Executive Manager, Paul Jones, says the increased reliability and capacity offered by the new aircraft results in better service to customers in Australia and around the international network.
“These aircraft have a far better environmental footprint, producing less carbon emissions and offering greater efficiency, something that we know is really important to our customers.”
Qantas Freight Executive Manager Paul Jones
Unfortunately for plane spotters, the aircraft do not wear Qantas colors and are instead painted in the Atlas Air livery with Qantas Freight decals.
16Right Media captured the aircraft on approach into Sydney Airport:
It was a change of Aircraft Type for @Qantas @SydneyAirport this morning, with the 1st of 2 Atlas B747-8F Freighters making a 1st visit to SYD as QF7554. The two B747-8F freighters are operated by Atlas on behalf of Qantas, replacing the two existing B747-400F Freighters✈️💙📷 pic.twitter.com/zThQSfLwxf
— 16Right Media (@www16Right) August 27, 2019
The aircraft will be used to operate flights between Australia, China and USA, with additional routes currently being assessed.
The arrival of Qantas’ first Boeing 747-8 Freighter comes shortly after the airline announced an extended partnership with Australia Post.
As a result of this announcement, Qantas is set to become the launch operator for the Airbus A321P2F (passenger to freighter).
Up to three A321P2F aircraft will join the fleet, these will be used to support the increased demand of online shipping and next day delivery.
Any idea why an airline as big as Qantas would only order two 747-8’s? If you’re going to the trouble of ordering a variety of plane, it seems that getting a half dozen at a minimum would be the way to go.