Air Canada Cargo to add B777 freighters

Air Canada will add B777 freighters for the first time as it continues to expand its presence in the all-cargo market.

The carrier today announced an order for two factory-built B777Fs to enter into service in 2024.

The order comes as Air Canada has been investing in converting its B767 passenger aircraft into freighters. 

So far, two B767 converted freighters have been put into service and two more factory-built B767Fs have been delivered, due to begin operations next year.

Six more converted B767 aircraft are due to be added over the coming years.

Jason Berry, vice president, cargo at Air Canada, said: “Today, we announced a further expansion of our fleet with the acquisition of two factory-built Boeing 777 freighters, to enter service in 2024.

“The investment in long-range widebody freighters, combined with our growing 767 freighter fleet and robust passenger network will allow us continue to bring to life the most flexible and diverse cargo operation in the Americas.”

The news comes as the airline also announced its second-quarter results today.

Cargo revenues for the period declined by 16.5% year on year to C$299m.

“The decline was due to yield normalisation and less cargo-only flying in the Pacific market,” the airline said.

“This was partially offset by revenue gains in other regions. The main contributors for the decline in Pacific flying were the Covid-related lockdowns in China, and to a lesser extent, Hong Kong and Japan.

“Although capacity was redeployed to other regions, higher revenues from Europe, Australia and the Americas did not compensate for the revenue lost primarily in China in terms of volume and yield.”

Berry added: “It has been another exciting quarter for Air Canada Cargo as we continue to strategically build our business and invest in our future

“The ongoing growth and support from the forwarding community across our global network has been a key to fuelling our future.

“Our careful and targeted investments in our freighter fleet and our self-handled cargo-only ground operations in our major hubs throughout Canada and internationally together with staying laser focused on our quality of service to the vast forwarding community we serve, are key strategies as we continue to strengthen and grow as North America’s only combination carrier.”