Atlas Air completes operating certificate merger with Southern Air

Freighter lessor Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings (AAWW) has brought the operations of Southern Air, acquired in 2016, under a Single Operating Certificate (SOC) with Atlas Air, its freighter operating subsidiary.

With the addition of Southern Air, Atlas Air was able to add Boeing 777 and Boeing 737 aircraft operating platforms, resulting in “a more diversified company offering customers access to a wider range of aircraft, a broader array of services, greater scale and an expanded global footprint,” said a spokesperson.

John Dietrich, president and chief executive of Atlas Air Worldwide, said: “The 2016 acquisition of Southern Air enhanced our company’s position as a leading global provider of outsourced aircraft and aviation operating services by expanding our fleet and global capabilities to drive significant value for our customers and shareholders.

“It also brought us a talented team of aviation professionals who share in our commitment to our customers as we create an even stronger company for the future.

“We are excited to have all our Southern Air employees assume positions with Atlas Air as we complete the final step in merging these two great airlines.”

Dietrich expressed the company’s appreciation for the US Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) assistance during the transition.

Said Dietrich: “We are grateful to the FAA for its support throughout this process as we focused on a safe and compliant operational transition.

“The efforts and insight of the FAA team have been invaluable. We look forward to continuing to work closely with the FAA under this SOC.”