In an official statement, All Nippon Airways (ANA) announced today that it has confirmed an agreement with Boeing to convert two previously placed orders for 777-9 aircraft to 777-8F freighter models. It also confirmed the existing purchase order for thirty Boeing 737 MAX 8s.
As stated in the document, «the announcement reflects ANA’s plan to further expand its cargo business through securing large freighters and to replace the domestic fleet’s smaller planes with more fuel-efficient aircraft that will serve as the foundation for future growth».
On March 27th, 2014, the Japanese airline had announced an order for twenty Boeing 777-9s. The U.S. manufacturer’s new long-range jet completed its first flight in January 2020. Commercial operations could begin in 2023.
Today, at a meeting of the ANA Board of Directors held in Tokyo, it was decided to convert two of the orders into orders for cargo versions. Thus, it will include eighteen Boeing 777-9s for passenger transportation and two cargo 777-8Fs. According to the airline, the aircraft will enter service in 2028.
On the other hand, the company confirmed the agreement for the acquisition of 737 MAX 8 aircraft. The order includes twenty confirmed aircraft and an option for an additional ten. ANA had announced its intention to add Boeing’s latest single-aisle model on January 29th, 2019. According to the operator, the aircraft are scheduled for introduction in 2025. The new model will gradually replace the 737-800s currently in service.
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