AirBridgeCargo receives third mega Boeing 747-8F in fleet renewal

RUSSIA's AirBridgeCargo Airlines (ABC), part of the Volga-Dnepr Group, has taken delivery of its third Boeing 747-8 Freighter, after the aircraft made its first commercial flight from Seattle to Hong Kong and then to Moscow-Sheremetyevo.

The new aircraft will be used on the carrier's existing network linking Europe, Asia and the US to its Moscow hub.

Delivery of the third Boeing 747-8F marks the next step in its fleet renewal programme to replace older aircraft with new generation cargo aircraft. On receipt of its third B747-8F the airline reduced its average fleet age to 4.1 years. The fleet consists of 11 Boeing 747s, including five B747-400ERFs, three B747-400Fs and three B747-8Fs, a group statement said.

The 747-8 freighter is longer than the 747-400F by 5.6 metres and has a maximum structural payload capability of 154 tons, including tare weight, with a range of 8,130 kilometres. It has lower ton-mile costs and more payload volume than its predecessor. The extra capacity means the aircraft can accommodate four additional main-deck pallets and three additional lower-hold pallets and is also 15 per cent more fuel efficient than the 747-400F.