Air Cargo

Cargo Operators Push Manufacturers for Mid-Size Freighter Solution

Air cargo executives are demanding that Boeing and Airbus develop a replacement for the 767 freighter fleet before production halts create capacity shortages. Industry leaders gathered at the Cargo Facts Symposium in Nashville on 22 October to press manufacturers and conversion specialists on the issue. LATAM Cargo Group operates 20 767Fs with plans to convert nine additional aircraft from passenger service. However, the 767Fs "cannot carry us into the second half of the 2030s," said LATAM Cargo Group chief executive Andres Bianchi. The 767 remains popular for medium-haul routes, carrying approximately 50 tons of payload—far less than larger widebody freighters. Boeing's production backlog is shrinking and shutdown looms. Both manufacturers are instead focused on larger models: Boeing's 777-8F and Airbus's A350F, targeted for 2027 certification. Conversion specialists and executives view the 787 as the logical midsize solution, either as a dedicated freighter or passenger conversion. Interest also exists for a cargo variant of Airbus's A330neo.