Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has taken delivery of the first branded aircraft as part of its new Air Cargo solution.
The B777-200 Freighter, built by Boeing, will operated by Atlas Air and fly on routes between China, the US, Mexico, and Europe.
“Our customers need the option of air solutions, which is why we’re integrating this transportation mode to complement our extensive maritime and land cargo operations,” said Jannie Davel, Senior Vice President Air Cargo at MSC.
“The delivery of this first aircraft marks the start of our long-term investment in air cargo.”
Atlas Air, a subsidiary of Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. (AAWW), is supporting MSC on an aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance (ACMI) basis.
The new aircraft is the first of four B777-200Fs which are being placed on a long-term basis with MSC.
The B777-200F twin-engine aircraft has low maintenance and operating costs, and, with a range of 4,880 nautical miles (9,038 kilometres), it can fly further than any other aircraft in its class.
It also meets quota count standards for maximum accessibility to noise sensitive airports around the globe.
Just last week, MSC informed Italian authorities it has renounced the purchase of ITA Airways after it presented the offer last January.
In its statement, the group said it pulled off the deal as it did not recognise “the conditions in the current procedure”.
