National Airlines (N8, Orlando Sanford) has acquired three B747-400(F)s from Cathay Pacific (CX, Hong Kong International) as it gears up to increase its cargo market presence. According to the ch-aviation fleets module, the jets are B747-412(BCF)s N729CA (msn 25068), N756CA (msn 26547), and N926BA (msn 27217) all of which are stored in Marana awaiting a gradual, phased induction.
“In principle, we have bought three more freighters which are the ex-Cathay Pacific freighters and the first one we’re expecting it to be operational by beginning of August and the second one towards the end of this year, with hopefully the third one by the second quarter next year," Jacob Chacko, director of Commercial Operations at National Air Cargo, told Asia Cargo Buzz.
Chacko said that aside from growing National's B747 freighter fleet beyond the two it currently has, the three incoming jets will also provide greater AOG support.
“That will be a big game changer in terms of our consistency,” he said. “It’s a phased approach, we don’t want it to come all at once. And of course, we’re keeping a close eye on the China-US the trade issue."
National also operates two B757-200s and is in the process of inducting its first A330-200. The Florida-based operator is reliant on the US military for 70% of its business including troop transports as well as logistics.
