Challenge Group adds another 747 freighter
07 / 02 / 2024
Photo: Challenge Group
Challenge Group has added a Boeing 747-400 freighter to its operations as it pushes ahead with plans to expand its fleet.
The airline said that the addition of the extra aircraft demonstrated the group’s “confidence in its vision for the future” and comes despite current market concerns about overcapacity.
The additional aircraft brings Challenge’s current fleet to five 747Fs and a single 767 freighter.
Last year, the Malta-headquartered group told Air Cargo News it is on course to operate a mix of 12 Boeing freighters by 2026, adding four 767 and four 777 converted aircraft, expanding beyond its traditional fleet ‘DNA’ of four 747Fs.
The group’s chief commercial officer, Or Zak, pointed out that the aircraft are ideal for larger loads and special cargo.
“The new 747-400F is a testament to Challenge Group’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve despite industry discussions about overcapacity,” said Zak.
“It is an ideal choice for transporting commodities such as heavy & oversize, horses, pharma, aircraft engines, dangerous goods, cars and other complex verticals and will enhance our capacity and flexibility, allowing us to tap into new markets as well.”
The additional freighter will be operated on services between Asia and Europe, Challenge said in a press release.
The carrier took delivery of its first Boeing 767-300 in August last year and hopes to have taken delivery of all four 767s, which can carry around 60 tonnes, by the third quarter of 2024.
