National Airlines has taken delivery of its first newbuild Boeing 777 freighter, marking the beginning of a four-aircraft order placed in 2024.
The 777-200F was officially handed over at Boeing’s Everett facility in Seattle, according to a LinkedIn post published by National Air Cargo on 14 April. The company said the aircraft’s greater range, efficiency and capacity will strengthen its ability to serve global markets and support expanding service opportunities for customers worldwide.
The airline added that it is also preparing to receive the remaining three 777-200 freighters in the coming months.
According to fleet tracking website Planespotters, National Airlines currently operates nine 747-400 freighters, six of which are converted aircraft. The order for the newbuild 777Fs, placed in July 2024, was intended to help the airline modernise its fleet, add cargo capacity and strengthen its long-haul operations.
At the time of the order, Air Cargo News’ sister publication FlightGlobal reported that National Air Cargo chairman Christopher Alf had said Boeing’s future 777-8F would be an ideal long-term replacement for National Airlines’ 747-400Fs.
National Airlines offers global cargo charter services to direct shippers, multinational manufacturers, e-commerce businesses, entertainment groups and government agencies. In addition to cargo charters, the airline also provides passenger charters and ACMI and CMI services worldwide.
Alongside its US regional hubs in Buffalo, Orlando and Chicago, National also operates hubs in Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Madrid, Dubai, Afghanistan, Djibouti, Bahrain, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Shanghai.
