The Last ‘Queen of the Skies’ Takes Flight: Kuehne+Nagel’s Apex Logistics Receives Final 747-8 Freighter from Atlas Air and Boeing

Last Boeing 747-8F Empower. in Seattle on January 31, 2023

(IN BRIEF) Apex Logistics, a subsidiary of Kuehne+Nagel, has taken delivery of the last ever built Boeing 747-8F freighter as part of a long-term charter agreement with Atlas Air. The aircraft, named “Empower”, will improve efficiency and reliability for customers on volatile trade lanes with reduced transit times and increased efficiencies, particularly in the Asian market. The delivery of the aircraft marks the end of the half-century production run of the “Queen of the Skies” and the beginning of a new era for Apex Logistics and Kuehne+Nagel in providing strategic solutions to their logistics needs.

(PRESS RELEASE) SCHINDELLEGI, 1-Feb-2023 — /EuropaWire/ —  Kuehne+Nagel (SWX: KNIN), one of the world’s leading logistics companies, announces that its subsidiary, Apex Logistics International, has taken delivery of the last Boeing 747-8 freighter, part of a long-term charter agreement with Atlas Air, Inc. The aircraft, named “Empower,” was unveiled at the Boeing Everett Delivery Center in Seattle, marking the end of the production run of the iconic jumbo jet.

The 747-8F will operate on volatile trade lanes and improve reliability and efficiency, especially in the Asian markets. The aircraft will join the first Kuehne+Nagel 747-8F, “Inspire,” in operating on the Transpacific routings, strengthening the intra-Asia network.

Yngve Ruud, Member of the Management Board of Kuehne+Nagel, responsible for Air Logistics, comments: “The names we chose for the last two iconic aircraft fit their legacy – ‘Inspire.’ and ‘Empower.’ We look forward to seeing the last 747-8F aircraft taking off to fulfil the versatile needs of our customers worldwide with unmatched capability.”

“In 2001, when Apex was founded, our guiding principle was to empower employees with the common goal of offering customers flexible and reliable solutions to their logistics needs,” said Tony Song, Group Chief Executive Officer Apex. “Twenty years later, as part of Kuehne+Nagel Group, we are proud to introduce ‘Empower.’, the newest and most exciting addition to Apex Logistics. This aircraft will reinforce our ability to provide strategic solutions and unique alternatives with passion. Together with our Apex Logistics colleagues, we are delighted to celebrate this special occasion with Kuehne+Nagel, Atlas Air and Boeing.”

“We are pleased to operate this aircraft on behalf of Apex Logistics, a Kuehne+Nagel company. This is the second 747-8F delivery as part of our long-term strategic partnership with Kuehne+Nagel, which is reflective of our commitment to provide additional capacity for expanding their air cargo network,” said John Dietrich, President and Chief Executive Officer, Atlas Air Worldwide. “As the world’s largest operator of 747 freighters, Atlas is especially proud to take the last 747 ever to be built. We are grateful to Boeing for their shared commitment to safety, quality, innovation and the environment, and for their partnership to ensure the continued success of the 747 programme as we operate the aircraft for decades to come.”

“This monumental day is a testament to the generations of Boeing employees who brought to life the airplane that shrank the world and revolutionised travel and air cargo as the first true widebody,” said Stan Deal, President and Chief Executive Officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

The official ceremony marked the end of an era for the “Queen of the Skies,” but the legacy of the 747 will continue to be felt for generations to come.

About Boeing 747-8 Freighter 

The Boeing 747, a large, long-range, and wide-body airliner, is an iconic aircraft that has made a significant impact on the aviation industry. Nicknamed the “Jumbo Jet,” the 747 was the first widebody ever produced by Boeing Commercial Airplanes and has become one of the most recognizable aircraft in the world. Over 50,000 Boeing employees, known as “the Incredibles,” worked tirelessly to build the first 747 in just 16 months during the late 1960s, and since then, over 1,500 planes have been manufactured in various versions.

In 2005, the latest addition to the 747 family, the 747-8, was launched with two models: the 747-8 Intercontinental passenger airplane and the 747-8 Freighter. The latter made its first flight on February 8, 2010 and boasts a length of 76.3 meters, which is 5.6 meters longer than its predecessor, the 747-400 Freighter. This additional length provides 16% more revenue cargo volume and an additional seven main-deck and lower hold positions.

The 747-8 Freighter plays a crucial role in air freight with its advanced technology that results in lower fuel consumption, higher capacity, and its unique nose-loading capability.