Maersk Air Cargo has taken delivery of its second Boeing 777 freighter as it continues to expand its airfreight operations.
The newbuild aircraft (OY-MAD) was delivered to Maersk’s airfreight hub in Billund from Boeing’s Seattle home on November 26. It has been given the name Maersk Nightingale.
The aircraft is the second of an order of two 777 freighters that Maersk placed with Boeing, with the first having been delivered back in July.
Maersk said the 777 will “soon” enter commercial operation. It is likely to be utilised between China and Europe but it could take more than a month for checks to be carried out and the aircraft to be put into action.
Delivery of the aircraft had initially been expected in September, which would have meant the aircraft would have arrived in time for the air cargo peak season.
However, aircraft manufacturers have this year been facing production delays due to supply chain issues while there have also been hold ups with engine deliveries.
The two aircraft were ordered in November 2021 as part of Maersk’s fleet expansion and modernisation efforts.
Until the arrival of the 777Fs, Maersk’s fleet had consisted of older Boeing 767 freighters, which offer a shorter range and lower capacity than the 777.
According to fleet tracking site Planespotters, Maersk Air Cargo’s fleet currently stands at 22 aircraft – 20 767s and two 777Fs – although many of these are used to provide capacity to UPS.