UPS has ordered 27 new Boeing 767-300ER freighters to support its growing package business while providing broad options for the management of its jet fleet.
The 27 aircraft will be delivered between 2009 and 2012. The value of the contract was not disclosed, although it has been reported that the planes are worth about $3.8 billion at list prices.
Atlanta-based UPS said the wide-body 767s could be used on routes to and from Europe and Latin America as well as on lanes within Asia and Europe.
UPS said it continues to experience strong growth in its international package business, with average export volume climbing 12 percent in 2006 alone.
Furthermore, the 27 new freighters will allow UPS Airlines to improve the efficiency and speed of its air network as it eventually replaces aging aircraft, UPS said.
The 767-300ER freighter entered service with UPS in 1995. Powered by General Electric jet engines, the plane can carry 24 containers on its upper deck and seven containers in the lower cargo compartments. It has a maximum payload of 132,200 pounds and a range of 3,000 nautical miles.
The order for the 27 B-767s is not related to UPS’s ongoing review of its order for 10 Airbus A380 freighters. The A380s are planned for use on specific long-haul routes currently serviced by B-747 and MD-11 freighters.
