Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings is considering placing an order for new generation A350Fs or B777-8Fs, Chief Executive Officer Michael Steen told Bloomberg.

He said Atlas is in “relatively advanced stages” in terms of the negotiations with Airbus and Boeing. However, it wants more clarity on delivery schedules before making a decision. The B777-8F could be first delivered until 2027, although the US's quality issues could delay the program. Meanwhile, the A350F is expected to enter into service in early 2026.

“I certainly envision that we are going to grow significantly both fleet-wise and as well as from a profitability perspective over the next few years,” he added.

ch-aviation has reached out to Atlas Air for comment.

The company sees future pressure on the supply of new widebody freighters. In a previous interview with Bloomberg, Steen said there are about 650 widebody freighters globally, and nearly 20% of these airframes are coming up to retirement age. “We have more than 10% of that capacity ourselves [of the 650 widebody freighters globally], and we are obviously aiming to grow that fleet as we grow forward as well. We are very well-positioned as a company,” he added.

The ch-aviation fleets module shows that Atlas Air (5Y, New York JFK) operates 97 aircraft, including eight B737-800(BCF)s, thirty-nine B747-400(F)s, five B747-400s, ten B747-8Fs, five B767-300ERs, twenty-three B767-300Fs, and seven B777-200Fs. Sister carrier Polar Air Cargo (PO, New York JFK) operates four B747-8Fs, one B767-300ER(BDSF), and four B777-200Fs.