Indian cargo operator Afcom Holdings has signed a letter of intent for up to four Boeing 777-8 Freighters, signalling plans to expand into long-haul international air cargo markets.
Indian air cargo operator Afcom Holdings Limited has signed a letter of intent (LOI) covering the potential acquisition of up to four Boeing 777-8 Freighters, according to a company disclosure to the Bombay Stock Exchange.
The proposed commitment would represent a major expansion of Afcom’s fleet strategy, moving the carrier beyond its current narrowbody freighter operations and towards long-haul widebody cargo services.
Afcom currently operates Boeing 737-800 freighters on domestic and international routes. The company has previously outlined plans to introduce widebody aircraft as part of the next phase of its growth strategy. In a 2024 investor discussion, management said it was considering adding two 777-class aircraft to expand its network.
Long-haul expansion
The proposed 777-8F commitment would give Afcom access to a significantly larger freighter platform and greater range, potentially allowing the carrier to participate more extensively in major international cargo corridors.
Afcom Chairman and Managing Director Deepak Parasuraman said the proposed acquisition would provide the company with greater scale and flexibility as it targets larger cargo opportunities and responds to changing demand across international trade lanes.
The company said its expansion strategy would remain focused on disciplined growth, operational execution and building greater connectivity across international markets.
The LOI does not, however, represent a firm aircraft order at this stage. Any move from the preliminary agreement to a binding purchase commitment would be subject to the completion of the relevant commercial and contractual processes.
Boeing’s next-generation freighter
The Boeing 777-8 Freighter is being developed as the newest member of Boeing’s large freighter family and incorporates technologies from the 777X programme.
Boeing lists the aircraft with a maximum structural payload of 118 tonnes and a range of approximately 5,000 nautical miles with a 110-tonne payload. The aircraft can accommodate 31 main-deck pallets, compared with 27 on the existing 777 Freighter, according to Boeing.
The manufacturer says the 777-8F is designed to provide greater payload and range capability while reducing fuel consumption, emissions and operating costs per tonne compared with the aircraft it is intended to replace.
The type has attracted commitments from several major cargo operators. Boeing announced in July 2026 that MSC Air Cargo had purchased five 777-8 Freighters, while other announced customers and commitments include Qatar Airways, Cargolux and Korean Air.
Building an international cargo network
Afcom’s existing operation focuses on air cargo transportation across domestic and international markets, with services covering general cargo, perishables, pharmaceuticals, project cargo, dangerous goods and high-value shipments.
The company has also developed cargo connectivity into markets across Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
A move into 777-8F operations would substantially increase Afcom’s available cargo capacity and extend the potential reach of its network. It would also mark a significant change in fleet composition for a carrier that has so far built its operation around Boeing 737-800 freighters.
The proposed widebody expansion comes as Indian air cargo operators increasingly look towards international opportunities, supported by the country’s growing manufacturing base, expanding e-commerce sector and developing position in global supply chains.
For Afcom, the next stage will be turning the proposed commitment into a firm aircraft acquisition and establishing the network, infrastructure and operational capabilities required to support a new generation of long-haul freighter operations.
Editorial verification: The existence of Afcom’s earlier plans to introduce 777-class widebody aircraft is supported by the company’s BSE-filed investor disclosure. Boeing’s official website confirms the 777-8 Freighter’s specifications and current programme, while Boeing’s published customer announcements confirm several existing 777-8F commitments. The specific Afcom LOI could not be independently matched to an official Boeing announcement in the sources available at the time of publication, so it is presented as an Afcom corporate disclosure/LOI rather than a confirmed Boeing order.
