Freight Amazon Air expands aircraft fleet

Due to the changing demand for air freight services, Amazon has announced to expand the aircraft fleet of its air freight division Amazon Air. In total, 12 Boeing 767-300 converted freighter aircraft will be leased from Air Transport Services Group (ATSG).

One of the twelve aircraft has already entered the fleet back in May this year, but the following eleven are expected to be welcomed to Prime Air´s fleet in 2021. With the new aircraft, Amazon Air´s fleet grows to over 80 aircraft.

The decision to expand the fleet comes at a time, where people are continuing to rely on cargo services that are being transported directly to the customers doorstep. As Amazon is the largest e-commerce company in the world, this decision is underlining Amazon´s will to shorten delivery times and to grow in the future.

During the COVID-19 crisis, Amazon transported essential PPE supplies for Amazon associates, frontline health works and to relief organizations throughout the United States. At the same time, the company was still running its regular cargo operations.

“Amazon Air is critical to ensuring fast delivery for our customers – both in the current environment we are facing, and beyond,” said Sarah Rhoads, Vice President of Amazon Global Air. “During a time when so many of our customers rely on us to get what they need without leaving their homes, expanding our dedicated air network ensures we have the capacity to deliver what our customers want: great selection, low prices and fast shipping speeds.”

Rich Corrado, President and CEO of ATSG added: “We are proud to continue to evolve our partnership with Amazon to support the fast, free delivery for which they are famous [...] Our combined experience in the industry and access to a fleet of 767 cargo aircraft make us an ideal partner to support the growth of Amazon Air’s fleet.”

In the Summer, Amazon plans to open a new regional air hub at Lakeland. In 2021, San Bernardino and Cincinnati will follow. Amazon is continuing to invest hundreds of millions of dollars to create new hubs and new jobs.