MSC Air Cargo has taken delivery of its fifth freighter as it continues to expand its all-cargo fleet. The carrier took delivery of its latest Boeing 777 freighter (I-MSCA) late last week. The aircraft, which carries an MSC livery and has been named Alfirk, will be based in Milan. Jannie Davel, senior vice president of MSC Air Cargo, said the aircraft will “enhance our efficiency and capabilities to better service our customers and trade lanes” in a LinkedIn post.
According to fleet site PlaneSpotters, the aircraft was originally ordered by Air Canada Cargo before the Montreal-headquartered airline cancelled its plans to take on 777Fs due to weakening air cargo market conditions. The aircraft is fresh out of the factory, with its first flight having taken place in April.
The freighter will be operated by MSC-owned AlisCargo Airlines. AlisCargo received its AOC in July 2021 and had been operating preighters during the pandemic, but its operating license was suspended last year by the Italian civil aviation authority, before its acquisition by MSC.
MSC took a majority stake acquisition in AlisCargo Airlines last August and subsequently invested in 100% of the carrier this year.
MSC Air Cargo launched operations in December 2022 and adopted Liège Airport as its European hub. At the beginning of this year, the last of four newbuild Boeing 777 freighters was delivered to Atlas Air, which is operating the aircraft under an ACMI agreement with MSC Air Cargo.
