Atlas Air Worldwide (AAWW), a leading global provider of outsourced aircraft and aviation operating services, recently (Sep 15) said that it has placed two new Boeing 747-8 freighter aircraft with Panalpina, one of the world's leading providers of supply chain solutions Under this multi-year aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance (ACMI) outsourcing contract, Panalpina - a longtime customer - will benefit from leading-edge technology. The new-production aircraft, to be operated by AAWW, are scheduled to be delivered in the first half of 2012 and will enter service for Panalpina upon delivery. AAWW is the only ACMI operator able to offer the new 747-8F to its customers. The aircraft is expected to deliver improved, next-generation performance in terms of payload, fuel efficiency, total cost per tonne-mile and environmental compliance. "These new aircraft will give Panalpina increased capacity and revenue-generating capability in a growing global airfreight market, while improving fuel economy. We are proud to facilitate Panalpina's continuing growth by providing industry-leading service that enables Panalpina to offer its customers a unique and highly flexible solution for time-definite airfreight," said William J. Flynn, President and CEO. The 747-8 F, 5.6 meters (18.3 ft) longer than the 747-400 F, is expected to be the largest, most-efficient, long-haul heavy freighter in the market. The 747-8F is expected to provide 16 percent more revenue cargo volume compared with the benchmark 747-400F. The additional 120 cubic meters (4,245 cubic ft) of volume afforded by the longer fuselage offers space for four additional main-deck pallets and three additional lower-hold pallets. For maximum speed and efficiency, cargo on the 747-8F can be loaded and unloaded using both the nose and side doors. "Panalpina looks forward to experiencing the benefits of the latest freighter technology," said Karl Weyeneth, Chief Operating Officer of the Panalpina Group. "This is a significant development in our long and profitable relationship with Atlas Air and it demonstrates Atlas Air's ability to provide leading-edge services that add value and benefit for our customers throughout our global network." The new aircraft will operate in Panalpina's unique own controlled air freight network, which serves key customers in industries that include Healthcare, Consumer and Retail, Oil and Gas, Automotive, and Hi-Tech. The "Dixie Jet" service launched in 1990 is part of this own controlled network. Panalpina is the second AAWW customer to enter into a long-term ACMI agreement for the new 747-8F aircraft. How and customized IT systems, Panalpina provides globally integrated end-to-end solutions tailored to its customers' supply chain management needs. The Panalpina Group operates a global network with some 500 branches in more than 80 countries. In a further 80 countries, it cooperates closely with partner companies. Panalpina employs approximately 15,000 people worldwide.(mar)