Around $6 trillion, which is equivalent to 35% of yearly world trade, is transported through air freight according to IATA. Every day, approximately 140,000 tons of air cargo and 20 million individual parcels are flown around the world. With a plethora of materials, goods, and packages constantly being moved across the air, trade like this often requires massive cargo planes to ensure the job can get done. In this blog, we will provide a brief overview of some of the largest and most popular cargo planes in operation, allowing you to be more familiar with such models and their capabilities.
Lockheed C-5 Galaxy
The United States Air Force owns the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy family, that of which was produced in 1968. With 131 aircraft built, this model has played a significant role in major conflicts such as Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and it continues to operate today. While being intended for military operations, the C-5 Galaxy still plays a freighter role, as it is designed to store and transport large amounts of cargo that may be used for defense purposes or applications.
Boeing 747-400ERF
The Boeing 747-400ERF is a member of the popular 747-400 family, and it is a fairly sizable cargo aircraft that is used by a variety of commercial companies. The ERF, which stands for "Extended Range Freighter," was first introduced in 2002, the initial delivery going to Air France. With most of its space being reserved for cargo, the Boeing 747 has enough space for up to two crew members total.
Boeing 747-200F
In 1972, Lufthansa introduced the Boeing 747-200F which was well-known for its hinged nose cargo door that can be beneficial for easily loading goods and items onto the aircraft. The letter "F" in the model name denotes that it is the "freighter" variant of the family, as is typical with Boeing aircraft. As of the present, only a small number of Boeing 747-200F remain in operation.
Boeing 747-400F
The Boeing 747-400F is the all-freight version of the 747-400, and it is a model that is popularly used by a wide variety of carrier companies. The 747-400F was manufactured between the years of 1993 to 2009, with its average price sitting around $268 million. Over the years of production, a total of 126 units were delivered to various airlines.
Boeing 747-300SF
The Boeing 747-300SF is considered a fairly distinct aircraft model, the "SF" acronym in the model name standing for "Special Freighter". Really, the SF is a repurposed airliner that has been altered to allow for a large quantity of cargo to be stored on board. These days, SFs are referred to as "Boeing Converted Freighters" or "BCFs." The 300SF model gained popularity in the 1980s and was renowned for its cost-effectiveness in operations, saving operators money over time.
Boeing Dreamlifter
First introduced in 2007, the Boeing Dreamlifter is a modified version of the iconic 747-400 aircraft, also known as the "queen of the skies." With only 4 planes ever built for this freighter model, the Dreamlifter continues to operate to this day, mainly serving the purpose of transporting large Boeing components, such as fuselages, between production sites. In fact, the Dreamlifter is actually considered the second most voluminous cargo plane, only being beaten out by the Airbus Beluga XL.
Boeing 777F
The Boeing 777F is a cargo plane that is based on the 777-200LR, and it shares several features with its predecessor including its fuselage, length, and wingspan. Despite being introduced back in 2009, the 777F remains a widely used commercial freighter model today, serving airlines like Air France, Lufthansa, KLM, and many others. With its general capabilities, the 777F is a popular choice for medium and long-haul flights.
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III
The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is another Boeing freighter model that makes the list, the aircraft having been developed in partnership with McDonnell Douglas. The C-17 Globemaster is a military transport aircraft primarily designed for the transportation of troops and cargo for the United States Air Force. While having its maiden flight in 1991, C-17 Globemaster III aircraft are continually being produced as they reliably serve the Air Force for their needs.
Airbus Beluga XL
The Airbus Beluga XL is named after its massive size and its resemblance to the real beluga whale of the ocean. The model was developed by Airbus in 2016 and is still used today for transporting Airbus components, including fuselages, between multiple production sites. As of now, a total of five Beluga XLs are in operation. With this general set of capabilities, the Beluga XL is quite comparable in use to the Boeing Dreamlifter, mainly being set apart by its increased space.
Conclusion
If you operate cargo aircraft or are simply in search of dependable freighter components, ASAP Logistics Solutions is your go-to destination for all your aircraft part needs. As a reputable supplier with an unwavering dedication to quality control and export compliance, we operate with AS9120B, ISO 9001:2015, and FAA AC 00-56B accreditation. Explore our expansive part catalog as you see fit, and be sure to utilize our online RFQ service to quickly and easily request quotes on any items of interest that you come across. Once we have a chance to receive and review your provided information, a member of our staff will contact you in 15 minutes or less to present a tailored solution for your comparisons. Get started today and see why so many customers choose ASAP Logistics Solutions for their operational needs!
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