With cargo trade continuing to grow, Amerijet International Airlines is becoming an increasingly strong player in the region after announcing the introduction of its first Boeing 757 freighter.
The addition is part of a comprehensive expansion and modernization strategy launched by the company in 2020, following the addition of Tim Strauss as CEO.
«I am incredibly proud of our employees who worked tirelessly to bring the B757 project to fruition,» said Tim Strauss, CEO of Amerijet.
The B757-200(PCF) freighters will offer Amerijet customers versatility, range, and payload capacity ideal for destinations throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and the European network.
First flight of the model took place this Tuesday, March 8, connecting Miami (MIA) to Santo Domingo (SDQ), Dominican Republic. The aircraft ordered has the registration N818NH.
«These aircraft will be a wonderful addition to our fleet. I will provide us with a platform for continued growth as we approach 50 years of continuous service from our home base in Miami, Florida,» concluded Strauss.
Powered by Rolls-Royce RB211 engines, they are capable of operating fuel efficiently with maximum payloads in hot, humid climates and shorter runways; which are common throughout Amerijet’s service region.
As part of that expansion, the company will continue to add flight crews, technical and maintenance personnel.
These additional aircraft will bring the fleet operated by Amerijet to 20 freighters. Those will be consisting of six Boeing 757-200s (PCF), five Boeing 767-200s (BDSF), one Boeing 767-200 (SF), and eight B767-300s (ERBDSF). It also operates via wet-leasing, an Airbus A321 (P2F) from Titan Airways.
«The introduction of the B757 freighters is another example of the continued investments Amerijet is making to be the airline of choice throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America,» added Eric Wilson, Amerijet’s chief commercial officer.
The Boeing 757s are under a lease agreement with AerSale, a parts distribution, maintenance, and repair company, which purchased twenty-four used 757s from American Airlines.
These aircraft had to be modified from passenger to freighter at its Arizona facility, including a new cargo door, a reinforced floor, cabin barrier, fire systems, and other features.
