MSC Air Cargo, the airfreight division of global shipping and logistics leader MSC Group, has taken delivery of its seventh Boeing 777-200 freighter, marking the third aircraft registered in Italy under the airline’s European Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC). The new freighter was handed over at Boeing’s Everett Delivery Centerin Seattle and will strengthen MSC Air Cargo’s long-haul operations across key trade lanes.
With this latest addition, MSC Air Cargo’s fleet now totals seven Boeing 777 freighters, enhancing its capacity and reliability on Europe–Asia corridors at a time of sustained demand. The airline said the expanded fleet enables stable, dedicated cargo services across intercontinental routes while supporting the transportation of specialised and time-critical goods, including pharmaceuticals, perishables, high-tech components, automotive and aerospace cargo.
Expanded Italian Gateway Coverage
The seventh 777F will allow MSC Air Cargo to extend its Italian gateway operations beyond Milan Malpensa (MXP) to include Rome Fiumicino (FCO). Both gateways will now connect directly to major Asian hubs including Hong Kong (HKG), Shanghai Pudong (PVG), and the newly introduced Ezhou Huahu (EHU).
Jannie Davel, MSC Air Cargo’s Chief Executive, highlighted the strategic significance of the fleet expansion: “Each addition to our fleet is a commitment to our customers, to the trade lanes we serve, and to the long-term foundation we are building. With the delivery of this aircraft, we reach seven Boeing 777 Freighters, reinforcing our ability to serve customers where and when it matters most. Reliability and long-term partnerships are what drive every decision we make.”
Ricardo Cavero, Boeing Vice President of Commercial Sales & Marketing for Europe and Israel, noted: “The 777 freighter’s class-leading fuel efficiency, payload, and range will enable MSC to reliably and efficiently expand their operations to meet rising cargo demand.”
Fleet Growth and Strategic Partnerships
Since its inception, MSC Air Cargo has steadily expanded its fleet and global footprint, now offering intercontinental services across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. In addition to the two 777-200Fs operated under MSC’s European AOC, four further 777Fs are operated by Atlas Air on behalf of MSC Air Cargo under a long-term ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance, insurance) agreement, providing flexible capacity for high-priority shipments.
The airline’s growing fleet underlines its commitment to transporting specialised and urgent cargo with stability, reliability, and expanded coverage, reinforcing MSC Air Cargo’s position among leading freighter operators on critical Europe-Asia trade lanes.
