Kuehne+Nagel’s Apex Logistics International will have the honor of putting the very last Boeing 747 into service.
The 747-8 freighter will be operated under a long-term charter agreement with Atlas Air, supporting customers on the volatile Transpacific trade lanes.
After a half-century production run, the last jumbo jet, christened Empower, was presented to the public at a ceremony at the Boeing Everett Delivery Center in Seattle.
Kuehne+Nagel board member for air logistics, Yngve Ruud, said: “The names we chose for the last two iconic aircraft fit their legacy – Inspire and Empower. We look forward to seeing the last 747-8F aircraft taking off to fulfil the versatile needs of our customers worldwide with unmatched capability.”
Apex group chief executive, Tony Song, added: “This aircraft will reinforce our ability to provide strategic solutions and unique alternatives with passion. Together with our Apex Logistics colleagues, we are delighted to celebrate this special occasion with Kuehne+Nagel, Atlas Air and Boeing.”
Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and chief executive, Stan Deal, said the day was “a testament to the generations of Boeing employees who brought to life the airplane that shrank the world and revolutionised travel and air cargo as the first true widebody.”
