Kalitta Air Buys Boeing 747-400 BCF
YPSILANTI, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kalitta Air, L.L.C. announced today that it has agreed to purchase a Boeing 747-400 BCF (Boeing converted freighter), the first of several such aircraft that it plans to add to its fleet in coming years.
The international all-cargo airline based at Willow Run Airport in Ypsilanti, Michigan, has agreed to purchase the 747-400 BCF, equipped with four (4) General Electric CF6-80 C2B1F engines, from Japan Airlines/JALUX, Inc. The aircraft is to be delivered in May 2009.
Kalitta Air’s CEO, Connie Kalitta, expressed his enthusiasm for the new acquisition: “This is an exciting time for us. The technological advances of the 747-400 BCF include significantly greater range and fuel efficiency over earlier model Boeing freighters, making it an ideal aircraft for our global network. This purchase marks a milestone for Kalitta Air, which is completing another year of record revenues and is solidly positioned for future growth.”
Mr. Kalitta said that the company is negotiating for a second 747-400 aircraft for 2009 delivery, adding that the company’s goal is to add eight additional 747-400 freighter aircraft to its fleet over the next few years.
Kalitta Air operates a scheduled all-cargo route network that extends from Hong Kong to the US and on to Europe and the Middle East. It also provides aircraft on an ACMI basis to major international airlines, operates commercial freight charters worldwide and provides 747 freighter lift to the US Department of Defense. The company began service in November 2000 with three Boeing 747-200 freighters. Kalitta Air’s fleet now totals 19 Boeing 747 freighter aircraft.
Kalitta Air also operates a FAR Part 145 Repair Station in Oscoda, Michigan with more than 700 employees. This facility performs the heavy/line maintenance on the Kalitta fleet, as well as fleet maintenance, repair and service to other aircraft operators. An additional wide body hangar is under construction with a completion date of January 2008. According to Mr. Kalitta, “This additional hangar will enable our company to better maintain our fleet of aircraft, as well as accommodate maintenance services for other airlines.”