COVER STORY: Big birds for UPS

: Saturday, 21 June 2008

THE first 747-400 freighter in the UPS fleet is now operating regularly on long-haul routes, mostly within the Asia-Pacific region. Stations serviced by the big bird — which is also the first freighter in the huge UPS fleet to have a hinged nose — include Sydney, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Incheon.

Emblazoned on the aircraft fuselage is its global mission statement: “Synchronising the world of commerce.”
UPS has ordered eight new B744Fs, three for delivery this year and five in 2008. The fleet plan also calls for purchasing five more of the type from other carriers, taking the total to 13.

UPS is no stranger to the 747. Its involvement with the type dates back almost four decades and a small (in terms relative to the overall fleet size) 100F variants and 200F variants are in the current operational fleet. But the B744F has UPS airline operations executives and staff bubbling with enthusiasm for its technical advances.
UPS is this year celebrating its 100th anniversary.

COVER STORY: Big birds for UPS

Saturday, 21 June 2008