UPS Airlines (5X, Louisville International) has confirmed it has secured wet-leased freighters to cover a surge in demand for global freight capacity.

According to Air Cargo News, the US logistics specialist is using the leased capacity to tide it over while it awaits further deliveries of new-build B747-8(F) and B767-300F freighters from Boeing (BOE, Washington National). UPS expects to add 35 aircraft to its fleet over the next four years, including nine in 2018.

“Beyond the new jets, UPS is pursuing a multi-phased approach to increasing lift that also includes dry leases (aircraft owned by other companies but operated by UPS personnel); wet leases (aircraft owned and operated by other carriers); and purchasing used airplanes,” a UPS spokesperson said.

The report indicates that among the ACMI operators contracted by UPS include Western Global Airlines (KD, Fort Myers Southwest Florida) and 21 Air (2I, Greensboro Piedmont Triad International).