National Airlines orders four B777Fs at Farnborough Airshow 2024

US-based global cargo airline National Airlines has announced an order for four Boeing 777 freighters with Boeing at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024. The aircraft will be delivered in the first half of 2026, according to an official release by Boeing.

Senior management from National Airlines, along with Boeing representatives, confirmed the order, emphasising the company's fleet modernisation plans and marking their first direct order with Boeing for the twin-engine freighter. With this latest US$800 million order, National Airlines will expand its fleet to 17 aircraft, the 777 freighters will join National Airline's expanding fleet of nine 747-400 freighters and four passenger aircraft, mentions the release.

“We are elated by this remarkable order of B777 freighters with Boeing. This echoes our commitment to offer sustainable, resourceful, and the most modern air freight services to our global customers and support their increasing transportation demands. The order reassures our fleet modernisation plan entering the next phase and we sincerely appreciate the support from Boeing and all its associated teams in this journey ahead,” says Christopher Alf, Chairman of National Airlines.

“The Boeing 777 twin-engine, long-range freighter aircraft compliments the existing National Airlines fleet with a range of 9,200km (4,970nmi) and can carry a maximum payload of 102 tonnes (224,900 lb). As one of the fastest-growing global airlines, for National Airlines, the latest order for B777 production freighters is a significant step to expand its on-demand customised charter capacity.”

"We appreciate National Airlines for its trust in Boeing and the 777 freighter to grow the carrier's global fleet and deliver greater value for its customers," says Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "With its cargo capacity, range and reliability, operators continue to rely on the 777 freighter to build their future fleets, making it the best-selling freighter of all time."

The latest developments will enhance National’s global operations commitment and offer customers improved cargo charter options strengthening their supply chain capabilities and transportation demand in the future. The increased cargo capacity and freighter aircraft options including B747 and B777 freighters will be an impetus for customers from a wide array of industries to avail highly flexible, tailored, and efficient air cargo options with National Airlines.

Along with these aircraft orders, the airline has also signed an agreement to purchase eight GE90-110B engines, which will be used to power its four Boeing 777F cargo airplanes.

“We’re honoured our GE90 engines will power National Airline’s new 777F airplanes and be a key part of their growth plans. The GE90 and 777F are a winning combination in cargo operations,” says Russell Stokes, President and CEO, Commercial Engines and Services, GE Aerospace.

Designed to integrate seamlessly with existing 747 operations, the 777 freighter allows carriers to easily transfer cargo between the two airplanes to streamline ground logistics and leverage additional cost savings through fleet commonality, the release added.

Established in 1991, National Air Cargo Group, Inc. offers premium global end-to-end logistics solutions and freight forwarding services. Through global operational hubs, niche and industry-specific transportation solutions are curated for governmental programmes, defence departments, e-commerce, automotive, oil-field projects, temperature-controlled shipments, live animal movements, and humanitarian aid & relief support. National Airlines, the airline division of the company, is a U.S. FAA-certificated Part 121 air carrier.