Chennai-based cargo airline Afcom Holdings has signed a letter of intent (LOI) with Boeing to acquire up to four 777-8F freighter aircraft, marking its planned entry into widebody freighter operations. The LOI remains subject to finalisation of definitive agreements.
The proposed aircraft will be based in Chennai and are expected to support Afcom’s expansion into the Far East and Africa, building on its existing international network through Dubai. The airline expects demand from sectors including pharmaceuticals, perishables, engineering equipment and automotive components.
Afcom currently operates three Boeing 737-800 freighters and plans to increase its narrowbody fleet to five aircraft. The proposed 777-8F acquisition would represent the company’s first move into widebody freighters and significantly increase its cargo capacity and long-haul reach.
The company has not disclosed the commercial value or delivery schedule of the proposed aircraft. Afcom Chairman Deepak Parasuraman said the intention is to acquire four aircraft, although the final number could change as negotiations progress.
The planned fleet expansion comes as Afcom records strong growth in its cargo business. For FY26, the company reported revenue from operations of around ₹583.1 crore and net profit of ₹121.9 crore, compared with ₹238.7 crore and ₹36.9 crore, respectively, in FY25.
Afcom has also been expanding its international network, including the launch of a three-times-weekly Navi Mumbai–Dubai World Central freighter service. The airline is evaluating further opportunities in Southeast Asia, including Singapore, as it builds Chennai into a larger international cargo hub.
The 777-8F is Boeing’s next-generation large freighter, combining the 777X platform with freighter capabilities and offering long range and high payload capacity. Afcom’s planned acquisition would strengthen its ability to serve long-haul trade lanes linking India with Asia, the Middle East and Africa.