Boeing has given a Japanese debut to the 747-8 freighter, with Narita-based Nippon Cargo Airlines (NCA) taking the first of 15 units on order.
“We are excited to take delivery of this new fuel-efficient freighter, which will be a perfect addition to NCA’s cargo fleet,” said Takuzo Nomura, Senior Executive managing director, NCA. “The 747-8 Freighter will provide improved economics and efficiency as well as environmental benefits that are all essential in today’s market.”
The airline currently operates eight 747-400 Freighters with two 747-400 Freighters on lease with other airlines.
The new airplane will also become the first 747-8 to use a blend of environmentally progressive biofuels (jet kerosene and used cooking oil) to fly across the Pacific Ocean.
NCA, one of the launch customers for the 747-8 Freighter in 2005 and also part of a team that helped develop the aircraft, plans to begin revenue service with its new aircraft by mid-August on Asia and North American routes.
