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Atlas Air Expands Cargo Capacity With Air Atlanta Stake and Aircraft Acquisition

Atlas Air, the world's largest operator of Boeing 747 freighter aircraft, is acquiring a 49% stake in Iceland-based Air Atlanta and purchasing 14 widebody aircraft through its Titan Aviation Leasing subsidiary. The aircraft will be leased back to Air Atlanta for continued operations under existing leadership. Air Atlanta's management team retains 51% controlling interest in operating companies Air Atlanta Icelandic and Air Atlanta Europe. The combined owned fleet includes 12 Boeing 747-400 cargo jets, two Boeing 777-300 freighter conversions, and four Boeing 777 passenger aircraft. Atlas Air expects the transaction to close in the third quarter following regulatory approval. The deal addresses persistent capacity constraints as many large freighters approach retirement and manufacturers struggle to increase production. Both carriers will pursue commercial opportunities collaboratively while maintaining separate operations.