Avion Group Orders Four Additional Boeing 777 Freighters

Iceland-based Avion Group, has signed a contract with Boeing for the purchase of four 777 Freighters. The airplanes are in addition to an order for four 777 Freighters that Avion Group placed with Boeing last September.

The new cargo planes will be operated by Avion Group’s subsidiary, wet-lease operator Air Atlanta Icelandic.

“Our customers are very enthusiastic about the 777 Freighter,” said Hafthor Hafsteinsson, CEO of Air Atlanta Icelandic. “It became clear after our initial order that demand for the 777 Freighter would exceed our expectations. This freighter’s size and economics make it an excellent choice for our comprehensive fleet renewal program. The 777 Freighter is a great complement to the 747 Freighters that we currently operate and will continue to operate on behalf of our customers.”

Air Atlanta Icelandic is one of the world’s largest ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance) service providers, offering tailor-made solutions to other carriers, both in the passenger and cargo industry.

Avion Group’s eight 777 Freighters will provide additional capacity for a number of the world’s top carriers. The first 777 Freighter for Air Atlanta Icelandic is scheduled for delivery in February 2009.

The 777 Freighter, based on the technologically advanced 777-200LR (Longer Range) passenger airplane, will be capable of flying 4,965 nautical miles (9,195 kilometers) with a full payload and market-preferred cargo load density. With a maximum takeoff weight of 766,000 pounds (347,450 kilograms), the 777 Freighter will have a revenue payload capability of 229,000 pounds (103 metric tons).

The 777 Freighter will be powered exclusively by General Electric's GE90-110B1 commercial jet engine, and will meet QC2 noise standards for maximum accessibility to noise-sensitive airports.

The first delivery of the 777 Freighter is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2008 to Air France.

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