21 Air (2I, Greensboro Piedmont Triad International) is planning to certify for B777-type operations by the end of 2026 or in late 2027, as it aims to expand its business internationally, owner Jim Crane told Freightwaves.

"The revenue base on those B777s is probably triple that of the planes we’re running. And they’re flying long routes, so you get a lot of billable hours," Crane said.

He did not disclose how many B777s the airline would be looking to add. One option to add the new type would be to tap into an order for B777-200LR(MF)s held by DHL Express and operate the aircraft on a CMI basis. However, 21 Air is also evaluating sourcing the B777s directly from a lessor. Crane said that both conversions and B777-200F production aircraft are possible.

The owner sees a strong business case for international expansion due to growing demand from large express cargo firms. Crane opined that these customers are keen to deal with 21 Air due to its relatively small size and simpler decision-making structure compared to equity fund-owned giants like Atlas Air or Air Transport Services Group carriers ABX Air and ATI - Air Transport International.

"I got a small team. You make two phone calls, and you’re done. That’s why we’ve been so successful in our other businesses. I can move faster than everybody," Crane said.

21 Air currently operates four B757-200(PCF)s, one B767-200(BDSF), two B767-200(ERBDSF)s, two B767-300ER(BCF)s, and nine B767-300ER(BDSF)s. It also wet-leases a further two B767-300ER(BDSF)s from Cargojet Airways, which until recently held a 25% stake in 21 Air. The US carrier's long-standing customers include Amazon.com and DHL, ch-aviation data shows.

Asked about the Cargojet divestment, Crane divulged that this was partially driven by ongoing labour negotiations at the Canadian airline. The close commercial cooperation and fleet interchange deals between the two carriers were contested by unions, which argued that this allowed Cargojet to effectively operate domestic routes in the US. Crane stressed that both the equity investment and the fleet leases were approved by the FAA and compliant with all relevant regulations.

Following Cargojet's divestment, Crane is now, once again, a 100% shareholder in 21 Air's holding company, Avia Investments.