All Nippon Airways (ANA) has added its first Boeing 777F to its fleet – becoming the first airline in Japan to offer the wide body freighter. The airline took delivery of the aircraft, nicknamed Blue Jay, on May 24. The B777F will operate on a Narita-Kansai-Shanghai loop five times per week. From August 26 Kansai will be dropped from the operation.
Then, from October 27, the B777F aircraft will be operated on transpacific flights from Narita to Chicago O’Hare. The aircraft is one of two ordered in March 2018 and is the culmination of expansion plans announced in 2018 as it responds to the expanding market in Asia, China and North America, where the airline expects growth to continue in the medium and long term.
“The Boeing 777F aircraft elevates the ANA fleet to a new level,” said Toshiaki Toyama, President of ANA Cargo INC. “These 777Fs are significantly larger than the Boeing 767F models used to ferry cargo in Asia, giving ANA additional flexibility in how the aircraft are used. The aircraft will aid in the expansion of ANA’s services to include a whole new set of customers and increase ANA’s ability to safely transport larger cargo.”
At the moment, the airline operates with a fleet of 12 B767-300 freighters.
ANA currently centres its Asian flight network around the Okinawa freight hub and is planning to expand its network in North America this year with the addition of large-scale cargo flights complementing its current passenger air travel options.
Furthermore, ANA is providing bespoke “PRIO SENSITIVE” service for delicate cargo being transported by its Boeing 777F aircraft. This service offers an additional layer of protection to fragile cargo, such as semiconductor manufacturing equipment and medical equipment. ANA is also offering a unique “PRIO VEHICLE” service that will allow for the transportation of a variety of vehicles ranging from compact cars to SUVs.
“The addition of the Boeing 777F aircraft will increase ANA’s ability to provide top-of-the-line service to its customers,” the airline said. “As the first Japanese airline to make use of the freighter, ANA is equipped to meet emerging customer needs while providing hassle-free transportation options for all cargo no matter its size or composition.
“As ANA’s international cargo operation grows to include North America, the carrier is committed to bringing the same level of service and convenience that has made it a leader in both Asian cargo transportation and international passenger air service.”
