National Airlines has taken delivery of its fourth new-build Boeing 777 freighter, completing its 2024 order for four aircraft as the US cargo carrier continues to expand its long-haul freighter capacity.
The latest aircraft, registered N798CA, was handed over at Boeing’s Everett facility in Washington state and is expected to enter commercial service shortly.
The delivery completes National Airlines’ planned acquisition of four factory-built 777 freighters. Boeing announced the order in July 2024, when National committed to its first direct purchase of Boeing aircraft.
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Christopher Alf, chairman of National Airlines, said the delivery represented another milestone in the carrier’s fleet and growth strategy.
“With four Boeing 777 Freighters now part of our fleet, we have significantly enhanced our long-haul cargo capabilities and our ability to respond to the evolving needs of our customers,” Alf said.
The 777 freighter provides a maximum structural payload of 107 tonnes and a range of up to 5,000 nautical miles, according to Boeing. The aircraft is powered by GE90 engines and is designed to provide long-range capacity for general and specialised cargo markets.
National Airlines received its first aircraft from the four-aircraft order earlier this year, followed by additional deliveries as Boeing completed production and handover of the remaining freighters. The arrival of N798CA brings the carrier’s new-build 777 freighter fleet to four aircraft.
The additional capacity will support National Airlines’ international cargo operations, including the movement of oversized and high-value shipments as well as humanitarian, aerospace, energy, automotive and pharmaceutical cargo.
The 777 freighters complement National Airlines’ existing Boeing 747 freighter operation, giving the carrier a combination of large widebody aircraft for long-haul cargo missions.
When the original order was announced, Boeing said the 777 freighter would allow National Airlines to expand its commercial cargo services and increase its market reach. The aircraft’s commonality with the carrier’s existing 747 operation was also expected to provide operational and ground-handling benefits.
The completion of the four-aircraft order marks a significant fleet expansion for National Airlines, providing substantially greater dedicated freighter capacity and strengthening its ability to offer international cargo and charter services.
The carrier is part of National Air Cargo, which operates cargo and passenger charter services for customers across a range of markets. National Airlines’ freighter operation is focused on specialised and time-critical shipments, where the additional range and payload capability of the 777 can support longer-haul missions.
With four 777 freighters now in operation, National Airlines has completed a major stage of its fleet renewal programme and added one of the industry’s leading large widebody freighter types to its international cargo platform.
