China Cargo Airlines has added a newbuild Boeing 777 freighter to its operations, market data shows.
Shanghai-headquartered China Cargo Airlines now has a total of 20 777Fs, according to fleet tracking website, Planespotters. Delivery of the aircraft, first reported by Cargo Facts, took place this month.
The aircraft, registered B-228S, was completed at Boeing’s Everett factory in Washington, US. It was then flown from Seattle Paine Field International Airport in Washington to Shanghai Pudong Airport in China.
This latest aircraft follows delivery of China Cargo Airlines’ 19th 777F in February. Another three 777Fs are also on order.
The airline, a subsidiary of China Eastern Airlines, has been steadily investing in the 777F for 16 years. It acquired its first 777F in 2010, and that aircraft is now 16 years old.
Boeing has also seen sustained demand for the 777F, which has a revenue payload of 102 tonnes and a range of 4,970 nautical miles.
In December, the aircraft manufacturer filed an emissions exemption petition with the US Department of Transportation (DOT) to enable it to continue selling 777 freighters beyond the end of 2027 and bridge the gap until its 777-8 freighter comes to market.
The company said it aimed to sell 35 more 777Fs, but the FAA is currently still considering the exemption request.
Boeing recorded a total of 15 777 freighter orders and 35 777 freighter deliveries last year. The company’s order and deliveries data shows 12 777Fs have been delivered to customers so far this year.
China Cargo Airlines’ 777F fleet investment is supporting its continued network expansion. In January, the airline launched 777F flights between Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport in China and Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport in Hungary.
The airline also relaunched its 777F freighter route connecting China and France in November.
