Citing strong growth in cross-border e-commerce shipping, air cargo service provider Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings Inc. today announced that it will add three Boeing 747-8 freighters to its fleet to meet strong global demand for dedicated air cargo capacity on widebody aircraft.

The three additional 747-8Fs, secured by long-term finance leases with BOC Aviation, are expected to enter service by the end of the third quarter of 2024.

“Atlas is the world’s largest operator of 747 freighters and we are pleased to add these three 747-8Fs to our widebody fleet, following the acquisition of four 747-400Fs earlier this year and their long-term contracts with customers,” said Michael Steen, CEO of Atlas, in a press release. “Our growth in this aircraft type underscores Atlas’ commitment to the 747 freighter platform and the value it offers our customers, including significant payload capacity and unique nose-loading capability.”

According to New York-based Atlas, the 747-8F offers the highest cargo capacity on the market, with 20% more payload capacity than the 747-400F, while consuming 16% less fuel than the 747-400F.

Atlas provides outsourced aircraft and flight operations services through its Atlas Air Inc., Titan Aviation Holdings Inc. and Polar Air Cargo Worldwide Inc. divisions.