Tag Archives: Boeing 767-300F

Atlas Air expands operations for DHL Express

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. (New York) today (August 27) said that its Atlas Air, Inc. (New York) unit will provide expanded operating service for DHL Express’ North American route network using four additional Boeing 767-200 freighter aircraft owned by DHL. Atlas Air expects to start flying the first incremental aircraft in December 2014, and to operate all four by the end of January 2015.

The operation represents a continued expansion of Atlas Air’s non-asset-intensive CMI (Crew, Maintenance and Insurance) service solution, as well as its Boeing 767 platform. With the addition of the aircraft to Atlas Air’s operating certificate, the company’s fleet of Boeing 767s will increase to 15 aircraft, including nine operated for DHL in North America and two for DHL in the Asia-Pacific region.

Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Atlas Air also operates Boeing 767-300F freighters for DHL. Atlas Air’s Boeing 767-3JHF N644GT (msn 37810) dressed in DHL’s well-known yellow and red livery arrives in Tokyo (Narita).

DHL-Atlas Air:

Atlas Air:

LAN is facing a possible mechanics strike on June 26 in Lima, LAN Cargo breaks ground on a new hangar at Miami

LAN Airlines (Santiago) may be somewhat impacted by a possible strike by 70 percent of its LAN Peru (Lima) mechanics maintaining LAN and TAM aircraft. The mechanics are based in Lima, Peru.

The International Transport Workers’ Federation-ITF has issued this statement:

The ITF (International Transport Workers’ Federation) LATAM network reports that it is hearing of concerns from passengers due to fly on LAN and TAM planes during a strike expected to begin in Peru on June 26. Unions report that more than 200 mechanics – over 70 percent of all LAN Peru mechanics – will not be certifying airplane flights during the strike, which is expected to affect operations across Latin America, including during the World Cup.

LAN Peru aviation mechanics are responsible for the security of the flights of LAN and TAM Airlines (the LATAM Airline Group), and their function is fundamental to the maintenance of the aircraft and the safety of flights.

On June 26-27 a strike is likely to take place, called by the SITALANPE trade union, which represents 70 per cent of all those mechanics. This is expected to result in cancellations and delays across the region. The mechanics are unequivocal: their labor is not replaceable because they are certified to work on the aircraft. “We are the ones that review the planes each time that they land and if we do not sign the logbook of the aircraft, they do not leave. Without our approval, no plane will be able to fly and therefore the whole company will stop,” explained Juan Carlos Talavera, a LAN Peru aviation mechanic and press secretary of SITALANPE.

Lima, Peru, is the central hub for maintenance work in the holding company that includes both the LAN and TAM Airlines. The Peruvian mechanics maintain the cargo and passenger aircraft for LAN Argentina, LAN Chile, LAN Ecuador, LAN Peru, and TAM and LAN Cargo.

Dario Castillo Alfaro, the leader of the LAN Chile mechanics’ union, commented: “Our mechanics’ union is supporting the Peruvian workers and is ready to express its solidarity and support. As Chileans, we are depending on our Peruvian co-workers to protect the aviation sector in Latin America from the kind of cost cutting in operations that threatens the security of our passengers. As LAN and TAM workers we know that on behalf of passengers and aviation workers, it is our obligation to inform customers of potential problems and risks. The future of aviation in South America is being threatened by the company’s refusal to negotiate in Peru and Argentina.”

In other news, LAN Cargo (Santiago), an affiliate of LATAM Airlines Group, S.A. and part of South America’s largest airline group comprised of LAN Airlines and its affiliates and TAM Airlines, officially broke ground on a new 98,242-square-foot state of the art maintenance hangar facility at Miami International Airport. The hangar will be LATAM Airlines Group’s first maintenance hangar in the United States. The project represents an investment of more than $15 million dollars and is estimated to create more than 300 new direct and indirect jobs in the first five years, further increasing LATAM Airline Group’s participation and commitment to economic growth in Miami-Dade County and the State of Florida.

The new facility includes state of the art design, technology, and meets the highest standards of environmental compliance. The innovative roof design with the tail cupola will accommodate Boeing 777-300 and Airbus A350 size aircraft, and still meet the applicable structure height requirements.

On June 23 ITF issued this subsequent announcement:

This week, the aviation unions of the ITF (International Transport Workers’ Federation) Network of LATAM Unions in Chile, Argentina, Ecuador, Peru and Colombia will be taking action to support the mechanics of LAN Peru and the flight attendants of LAN Argentina. The workers will inform passengers in the airport about the actions.

The passengers need to know that the demands of the LAN and TAM Airline workers are fair and that the company has the resources to resolve the conflicts. Aviation labour conditions impact the quality of life of workers and potentially the high standards of service on flights.

LAN Peru Mechanics

On June 26th and 27th, a planned strike of the mechanics union (SITALANPE), who represent 70 percent of the workforce, would affect flights in the country and the region. Licensed aviation mechanics are required to certify all aircraft.

LAN Argentina Flight Attendants

In Argentina, the flight attendants have suffered time and again delays in their collective rights. Since 2005, when the company began operations in Argentina, LAN has refused to sign a collective agreement to regulate the flight attendants’ working conditions.

LAN Peru union leader reports detention and threats in the Lima Airport

Juan Carlos Talavera Flores, the press secretary of the SITALANPE union of Peru, has reported that he was detained on Friday, June 20th. He reports that during his detention he was threatened by a security staff from the airport. The security staff introduced himself as being sent by LAN Peru. Mr. Talavera explained that this security staff member told him that LAN Peru was going to bring a legal notary to verify his assumed illegal actions.

Mr. Talvera explains that it was a confusing, frightening and strange action by LAN Peru to intervene with his detention. The leader of the mechanics union states that the police, and the security personnel of the airport sent by LAN Peru, detained him while he was distributing information to the passengers about delays and cancellations which would occur during the upcoming LAN Peru strike of June 26 and 27.

At the police station, the union leader reports that he was searched unfairly for drugs and incriminatory evidence. At the jail, he was threatened. Hours later he was released without charges.

Juan Carlos Talavera Flores, is a leader in the international solidarity campaign to protect aviation standards in South America. His detention was made while he was distributing information in the Jorge Chavez Airport in Lima and answering questions from passengers about the upcoming industrial actions and strikes in LAN and TAM airlines.

Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum/AirlinersGallery.com. LAN Cargo’s Boeing 767-316F ER CC-CZZ (msn 25756) approaches the runway at Miami International Airport (MIA).

LAN Cargo:

LAN Airlines (Chile):

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings reports first quarter net income of $7.9 million, places two Boeing 747-8F freighters with DHL

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings (Atlas Air and Polar Air Cargo) (New York) reported first quarter net income of $7.9 million, down 60.4 percent from the same quarter a year ago

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings is the parent company of Atlas Air and Titan Aviation Leasing and majority owner of Polar Air Cargo.

The company issued this full statement:

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. announced adjusted net income attributable to common stockholders of $11.3 million, or $0.45 per diluted share, for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared with $5.9 million, or $0.22 per diluted share, for the three months ended March 31, 2013.

On a reported basis, net income attributable to common stockholders in the first quarter of 2014 totaled $7.9 million, or $0.32 per diluted share, compared with $20.1 million, or $0.76 per diluted share, in the year-ago quarter.

Adjusted earnings in the first quarter of 2014 exclude a special charge of $3.4 million after tax, or $0.13 per diluted share, mainly related to the company’s U.K. affiliate, Global Supply Systems Limited. Adjusted earnings in the first quarter of 2013 exclude an income tax benefit of $14.2 million, or $0.54 per diluted share, related to the tax treatment of extraterritorial income.

“2014 is off to a good start, led by the initiatives we’ve undertaken to diversify our business mix, expand our aircraft and service offerings, develop new customers and position Atlas to take advantage of market opportunities,” said William J. Flynn, President and Chief Executive Officer.

“Within our ACMI segment, results benefited from an increase in the number of new 747-8 freighters in operation as well as an increase in flying for our CMI customers. In Dry Leasing, the investments we’ve made since early 2013 in attractive, modern 777 freighters on long-term leases with strong customers drove a significant increase in contribution from sources with highly predictable revenue and earnings streams.

“In addition, the expansion of our 767 aircraft service solutions and our growth into passenger charter operations supported the improvement in our results despite a seasonally soft contribution in Commercial Charter and the continued reduction in AMC Charter cargo volumes.

“Reflecting our global market leadership in outsourced aircraft assets and services, we have developed several new strategic customer relationships since the first quarter of 2013 that have enhanced the resilience of our business model.

“In ACMI, these include Astral Aviation, BST Logistics and Chapman Freeborn. We’ve also expanded with Etihad Airways, introduced new 767 cargo CMI service for DHL Express, and added VIP 767 passenger CMI service for MLW Air. And in Dry Leasing, we now provide 777Fs to Aerologic, Emirates Airlines and TNT Transport International.”

Separately, the company announced the placement of two 747-8 freighters in ACMI service for DHL Express. The state-of-the-art aircraft will provide additional revenue cargo volume for DHL’s transpacific network growth. They replace two 747-400 freighters currently in service for DHL that will enter immediate revenue service for Atlas.

Outlook

We are encouraged by our first-quarter performance and the positive direction of market trends so far in 2014, but we are maintaining our earnings outlook for the full year.

Airfreight volumes are improving, and recent forecasts suggest that airfreight demand will grow by a few percentage points in 2014 – the first real growth after three essentially flat years. Forecast airfreight yields continue to lag behind, however.

With still limited visibility into second-half airfreight market demand and yields, we continue to expect results in 2014 to approximate 2013, excluding an expected decline in our AMC Charter operations as we have previously discussed.

On a per share basis, earnings in the second quarter of this year should be similar to or slightly higher than our adjusted first-quarter earnings. As the majority of our earnings are typically generated in the second half of the year, we expect to update our expectations as the year progresses.

For the full year, we expect total block hours to be a few percentage points lower than 2013 block hours, with more than 70% in ACMI, less than 10% in AMC Charter, and the balance in Commercial Charter. Our Dry Leasing segment should show dramatic growth, with a contribution run rate in subsequent quarters that should be similar to the first quarter of 2014. Aircraft maintenance expense in 2014 should total approximately $175 to $180 million, and depreciation should be approximately $115 to $120 million. In addition, we anticipate an effective income tax rate of approximately 30%.

We remain confident in the resilience of our business model and our ability to leverage the scale and efficiencies in our operations. The business initiatives we have undertaken and the investments we have made have transformed the company to deliver meaningful earnings in any environment.

Should 2014 be the inflection point when growth returns to commercial airfreight and yields improve, our business initiatives and the investments we have made have positioned Atlas to be one of the prime beneficiaries.

Copyright Photo: Manuel Negrerie/AirlinersGallery.com. Atlas Air also operates the Boeing 767-300F freighter for DHL. Boeing 767-3JHF ER N643GT (msn 37809) arrives at Taipei (Taoyuan).

DHL-Atlas Air:

Atlas Air:

Polar Air Cargo:

UPS produces an operating profit of $1.5 billion in the first quarter, down $106 million due to harsh winter weather

UPS (United Parcel Service) (UPS Airlines) (Atlanta) today released first quarter 2014 results. Diluted earnings per share totaled $0.98, a $0.06 decline from first quarter 2013 adjusted results. Operating profit for the quarter was $1.5 billion, down $106 million from the prior-year’s adjusted results. Unusually harsh weather weighed on operating profit by approximately $200 million, due to increased expenses and slower revenue growth. Average daily shipments in the U.S. climbed 4.2% driven primarily by large e-commerce shippers using lightweight deferred shipping solutions.

The International segment operating margin expanded to 14.0% on daily volume growth of 7.9%. Supply Chain and Freight experienced improved operating profit and margin expansion.

For the first quarter of 2013, UPS reported diluted earnings per share of $1.08, which includes $36 million in after-tax gains related to the attempted acquisition of TNT.

“Much of the U.S. economy was negatively affected by the severe weather conditions in the first quarter, resulting in lower UPS operating results versus the prior year,” said Scott Davis, UPS chairman and CEO. “International and the Supply Chain and Freight segment benefitted from positive momentum during the quarter as customers utilized the strategic investments made by UPS to strengthen our portfolio.”

Cash Flow

For the three months ended March 31, UPS generated $1.9 billion in free cash flow. The company paid dividends of $596 million, up 8.1% per share over the prior year, and repurchased 6.8 million shares for approximately $660 million.

U.S. Domestic Package

U.S. Domestic revenue increased 2.6% over the prior-year period, to $8.5 billion. Daily volume improved 4.2%, led by UPS SurePost and UPS Second Day Air.

The segment generated $927 million in operating profit, down $158 million compared to the prior year, due to the impact of severe winter weather. The company experienced lost revenue and additional cost as a result of significant network disruptions on more than half of the operating days during the quarter. Overtime wages, purchased transportation and snow removal costs increased substantially over the prior year. Operating margin contracted 220 basis points to 10.9%.

Revenue per package declined 1.5% from the previous year due to changes in customer and product mix, as well as lower fuel surcharges. Product mix continues to be impacted by the rapid increase of UPS SurePost. More e-commerce retailers are choosing this product to serve their value-conscious customers.
International Package

The International segment revenue improved 5.0% and produced operating profit of $438 million, 12% more than the prior-year adjusted results. Operating margin expanded to 14% driven by improved network efficiency and in-country leverage.

On a reported basis, the segment recorded operating profit growth of 24% more than the prior-year result of $352 million. This reflects the operating profit impact of a $39 million net charge in 2013, related to the attempted acquisition of TNT.

Export shipments climbed 7.7% driven by 15% growth in Europe and modest gains in Asia and the Americas. Transborder shipments in Europe continue to expand rapidly as customers migrate to Pan-European distribution using UPS solutions.

To support strong Intra-European growth and intercontinental trade, the company announced the completed expansion of its Cologne, Germany, air hub. This $200 million investment increased facility capacity by 70%.
Non-U.S. Domestic deliveries increased 8.1%, driven by growth in Europe and Canada. Poland led the European countries with more than 20% growth, while Germany and the U.K. contributed strong gains.

Average revenue per package declined 2.1% due to product mix changes as non-premium Export products jumped almost 13%, overshadowing improved growth in premium products.

Supply Chain & Freight

Supply Chain and Freight operating profit increased 3.5% to $148 million. Operating margin expanded 30 basis points to 6.8%, driven by gains in the Forwarding and Distribution units.

The Forwarding business delivered improved operating profit and margin gains during the quarter as the unit adapted to market changes. International Air Freight growth in shipments and tonnage were offset by lower revenue per pound. Ocean Freight and Brokerage showed both improved revenue and operating profit.
Gains from retail and healthcare customers drove higher revenue growth in the Distribution business unit.

Operating profit improved more than 10% despite additional expansion costs during the quarter.

UPS Freight revenue increased slightly on a 3.1% increase in LTL revenue per hundredweight. Both tonnage and operating profit were negatively impacted by the severe winter weather.

Outlook

“During the quarter, the momentum of the underlying business was masked by the disruption of inclement weather,” said Kurt Kuehn, UPS chief financial officer. “We are encouraged by the positive trends in our business and expect the remainder of the year to perform as we originally guided. However, due to the challenging start to 2014, we anticipate diluted earnings per share to be at the low end of our full-year guidance range of $5.05 to $5.30.”

Copyright Photo: Tony Storck/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 767-34AF ER N328UP (msn 27754) in Blended Winglets prepares to land at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).

UPS Airlines:

DHL transports two giant pandas from Chengdu to Brussels

DHL today (February 23) sent off two giant pandas from Chengdu to Brussels, using a dedicated DHL Air (UK) (East Midlands) Boeing 767-300 freighter aircraft. Their departure marks the start of a 15-year cooperation of giant panda breeding research between China and Belgium. The female, Hao Hao, and the male, Xing Hui, both aged four, are expected to be delivered via DHL’s global transportation network to their new home at the Pairi Daiza animal sanctuary in Brugelette, Belgium on February 23.

“The Pandastic journey from China Conservation Research Center of the Giant Panda’s Dujiangyan panda base to Belgium’s Pairi Daiza will be a little over 8,000 kilometers. We are extremely proud to be entrusted with transporting China’s friendship messengers. The pandas, Hao Hao and Xing Hui, are without a doubt our VIPs — Very Important Pandas. A DHL team of specialists has worked with panda experts in China and Brussels to research and plan for their journey,” said Jerry Hsu, Chief Executive Officer of DHL Express Asia Pacific.

‘Hao Hao and Xing Hui’s Pandastic Journey’ started at the China Conservation & Research Center for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP) in Chengdu, China at 11:45 am on February 22, and will end with a delivery to a specially constructed Chinese Garden at Pairi Daiza, Belgium the following day. The two giant pandas were flown from China to Belgium on a dedicated DHL B767 freighter aircraft, accompanied by a team of two animal handlers, a veterinary physician and a plentiful supply of 100 kilograms of bamboo.

The pandas are expected to spend 15 years at Pairi Daiza, a 55-acre garden that plays host to over 5 000 animals. With the support of the University of Ghent, a special breeding and research program has been designed, aimed at helping to avert the future extinction of this endangered species.

To ensure an easy and comfortable journey, DHL and China Conservation & Research Center for the Giant Panda created bespoke travelling crates spacious enough for pandas to stay comfortable throughout the journey. The cages were also designed with a special roof in the style of ancient Chinese architecture.

“The panda is China’s national treasure, and also a messenger of friendship and peace,” said Wu Dongming, Managing Director of DHL-Sinotrans and Executive Vice President of DHL Express Asia-Pacific. “We are deeply honored for having been selected to transport Hao Hao and Xing Hui. With strong transportation expertise and capabilities, we believe DHL will carry out a Pandastic Journey with the utmost care and consideration.”

DHL has supported a number of conservation projects in recent years, including the return of nine silverback gorillas from the UK to the wild in Gabon, the delivery of two rare Sumatran tigers from the Australia and the US to ZSL London Zoo for a breeding program. Last year, DHL also provided expert logistics and both ground and air transportation to relocate several endangered Florida manatees.

Copyright Photos: Karl Cornil/AirlinersGallery.com. The specially-marked Boeing 767-3JHF ER G-DHLG (msn 37807) of DHL Air (UK) arrives at Brussels with the two honored guests.

DHL Air (UK):

FedEx Express takes delivery of its first Boeing 767-300F freighter

Boeing (Chicago) and FedEx Express (Memphis), an operating company of FedEx Corp. (Memphis), yesterday (September 4) celebrated the delivery of the company’s first 767-300 freighter. The delivery supports the FedEx strategy to modernize its fleet with more efficient freighters.

The 767 Freighter is an ideal upgrade for the fleet serving the FedEx Express domestic network, providing improved fuel, maintenance and cost savings over the MD-10 freighters it will replace. FedEx Express gains additional efficiency through the ability to share parts, tooling and flight simulators between the 767 and the more than 70 757 freighters already in its fleet.

The 767 freighter is based on the popular 767-300 ER (extended range) passenger airplane. Able to carry approximately 58 tons (52.7 tons) of revenue cargo with intercontinental range, the 767 Freighter is ideal for developing new long-haul, regional or feeder markets.

The airplane joins other Boeing freighters in the FedEx fleet such as the MD-10, MD-11, 757 and the 777.

Copyright Photo: Nick Dean/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 767-3S2F N101FE (msn 42706) is pictured at Paine Field near Everett, WA on a test flight prior to the official hand over.

FedEx Express:

ABSA Cargo is now operating as TAM Cargo

ABSA Cargo Airline (Sao Paulo) is now operating this new Boeing 767-316F ER as TAM Cargo (TAM Linhas Aereas) (Sao Paulo). PR-ADY (msn 32573) is pictured arriving at Rio de Janeiro (Galeao) today (July 15) on a ferry flight after receiving this new livery at Mexico City.

ABSA:

TAM:

FedEx Express plans to acquire 19 additional Boeing 767-300F freighters and convert four 777 freighters

FedEx Express, a wholly owned subsidiary of FedEx Corporation (Memphis), today (June 29) agreed to purchase 19 additional Boeing 767-300F freighters from The Boeing Company to continue to improve the efficiency and technology of the FedEx air fleet.

As part of the agreement, Boeing has agreed to convert four Boeing 777 freighters — two in fiscal 2016 and two in fiscal 2017 — to 767 equivalent purchase value. FedEx Express currently operates 19 long-range 777 freighters and now is committed to purchase an additional 24 777s.

The 19 767s will be delivered from fiscal 2015 to 2019 and replace current McDonnell Douglas MD-10Fs and A310-200 freighters. The impact to capital spending in fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2014 is immaterial, and estimated fiscal 2013 capital spending remains at $3.9 billion. The 767s are substantially more fuel efficient and reliable than the aircraft they will replace.

The 767s will provide similar capacity as the MD-10s, with an approximate 30 percent increase in fuel efficiency and a reduction in unit operating costs of more than 20 percent. They also increase efficiency by sharing spare parts, tooling and flight simulators with the Boeing 757-200s which are part of the FedEx air fleet.

Today’s action is in addition to a FedEx Express agreement with Boeing announced in December 2011 to purchase 27 new 767s for delivery between fiscal 2014 and 2018 and delay delivery of a number of 777s.

In June, FedEx announced the permanent retirement from service of 18 Airbus A310 aircraft and 26 related engines, as well as six McDonnell Douglas MD-10 aircraft and 17 related engines, bringing the total to 50 aircraft to be retired by the end of fiscal 2013.

Image: Boeing.

FedEx: