Challenge Group adds B747-400 production freighter to fleet

Challenge Group has added a Boeing 747-400 production freighter, registered under its Belgian Air Operator Certificate (AOC), as part of its fleet expansion strategy to bolster its global cargo capabilities, according to an official release from Challenge Group.

The 21.4-year-old aircraft, MSN 33729, was initially operated by China Airlines Cargo. In June this year, the airline withdrew it from service, after which it was stored before becoming part of the Challenge Group, according to data from Planespotters.net.

With this acquisition, Challenge Group’s fleet now includes 10 state-of-the-art aircraft, comprising six Boeing 747-400Fs and four Boeing 767-300Fs, tripling its fleet in under three years. This expansion positions the company to meet growing customer demand with enhanced efficiency and flexibility.

The new aircraft will substantially boost Challenge Group's capacity and frequency, addressing the increasing demand for perishable transportation from Africa, e-commerce shipments from China, and transatlantic trade. Primarily focused on the e-commerce sector in China, the Boeing 747-400F will also cater to a range of industries and verticals, leveraging its versatile cargo capabilities, the release added.

“The addition of the Boeing 747-400F is a pivotal step in Challenge Group’s fleet strategy,” says, Or Zak, Chief Commercial Officer, Challenge Group. “It reinforces our ability to respond to the evolving demands of the air freight capacity while expanding our capability to serve new markets. This aircraft exemplifies our commitment to operational flexibility and providing additional solutions for our customers.”

By incorporating advanced freighters like the Boeing 747-400 production freighter, the company is well-positioned to deploy additional capacity as needed and strengthen its global network, the release added.