Saudi Airlines Cargo Co. has added two 747-8F aircraft to its current fleet, bringing the total number of freighters operated by the company to 15. The arrival of the new aircraft is expected to further enhance the airline’s position in the global market place and is in keeping with its current growth strategy. “We are extremely excited to be taking delivery of our first two Boeing 747-8F aircraft,” said Mohammed Linjawi, VP operations of Saudia Cargo. “Not only is this one of the best aircraft in the world in terms of air freight performance, it can also accommodate 15 tons more than the Boeing 747-400 currently in use,” he added. Longer than the 747-400F by 5.6 meters, with a maximum structural payload capability of 140 metric tons, the 747-8F will be able to accommodate four additional main-deck pallets and three additional lower-hold pallets. In addition to its increased capabilities, the aircraft also benefits from low fuel consumption, rendering it more cost effective than its predecessor. The first 747-8F was delivered in March and is expected to be operational by May 2013. The second aircraft is scheduled to be delivered in mid-June 2013. Both aircraft will serve the Asia-to-Europe market, thus fulfilling customer demand for greater capacity on these routes. Saudi Airlines Cargo operates scheduled freighter services with 15 freighters and sells the belly-capacity on 145 passenger aircraft for Saudi Arabia’s flag carrier Saudia, spanning a rapidly expanding global network of 225 destinations. The cargo airline also provides cost-effective and practical worldwide charter flight solutions from a growing fleet of dedicated charter aircraft. Source: Arab News