The Atlas Air-operated 747 joins Magma's existing fleet of three converted freighters as the carrier pursues controlled growth, targeting additional 747Fs and 777Fs
Magma Aviation has added another Boeing 747 freighter to its fleet and has plans to add more cargo aircraft in the future.
The freighter service provider’s latest aircraft is a 747-400 operated by Atlas Air and will be used to expand capacity. The aircraft is in addition to Magma’s current fleet of two 747-400 Boeing Converted Freighters (BCF) and one 747-400F all operated by Air Atlanta.
The new aircraft is part of its long-term growth plan, Magma said.
“With a new B747F aircraft added to our fleet, this increases our overall capacity. It will give us the ability not only to service current clients, but also allow us to fly new routes and expand services that clients are looking for,” Peter Kerins, chief executive of Magma Aviation.
“Our network performance in general is exceptionally high, and with the addition of this aircraft, it will allow us to offer more services to customers with absolute confidence in our service delivery.”
Looking ahead, the company has plans to triple its freighter fleet by 2030 with the addition of further 747Fs and 777Fs. However, it will take a steady approach to fleet additions as current charter prices are high.
"Fleet expansion is key to consistent growth but should be implemented in a very controlled manner,” the company said. “As aircraft lease rates continue to become inflated, it’s important to get the business formula right to maintain optimal operational standards.”
Magma said that it opted to add an additional 747 freighter - it had in the past considered medium-widebody aircraft - because of its large payload and ability to handle a wide variety of sensitive and specialised cargo types.
“In the past, we have successfully transported outsized and specialised cargo loads – anything from mining equipment to full-size helicopters, boats, and more. With a new B747F aircraft in our fleet, this gives our team a great advantage to diversify the products we offer,” Kerins said.
Magma is headquartered in Dublin and has hubs in Dubai and Gatwick. It is part of Avia Solutions Group, which operates a fleet of 187 aircraft.
