Boeing and A.P. Moller - Maersk (Maersk) have announced the global provider of end-to-end container logistics has placed an order for two 777 Freighters.
The freighters will be operated by Star Air, Maersk's in-house aircraft operator and is the company's first 777 order. Star Air currently operates an all-Boeing 767 Freighter fleet.
Vincent Clerc, executive vice president and CEO of Ocean & Logistics, A.P. Moller – Maersk said: "As a global integrator of container logistics, Maersk is improving the ability to provide one-stop shop and end-to-end logistics capabilities to our customers.
"This year, we have strengthened our integrated logistics offering through e-commerce logistics acquisitions, tech investments, expanding our warehouse footprint and as a natural next step, we are now ramping up our air freight capacity, creating a broader network to cater even better for the needs of customers."
The 777 Freighter is the world's largest, longest range and most capable twin-engine freighter.
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The airplane offers 17% better fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions compared to legacy airplanes.
With a range of 9,200 kilometers, the 777 Freighter can carry a maximum revenue payload of 102,000 kilograms, allowing Star Air to make fewer stops and reduce landing fees on long-haul routes.
Ihssane Mounir, Boeing's senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing said: "We are delighted to welcome Maersk's Star Air to the Boeing family of 777 operators and look forward to many years of continued partnership as it grows its air cargo division.
"The market leading efficiency and incredible range of the 777 Freighter will provide Maersk flexibility to profitably operate the airplane across its large air freight network."
The 777 Freighter is Boeing's top-selling freighter of all time. Customers from around the world have ordered more than 300 777 Freighters since the program began in 2005.
As the air cargo market continues to strengthen throughout the world, freight carriers turn to Boeing for its complete family of new and converted freighters. Boeing airplanes provide more than 90% of the worldwide dedicated freighter capacity.