Panalpina has started flying the first of two new Boeing 747-8 freighters with a maiden cargo flight from Hong Kong to Luxembourg.
The "Spirit of Panalpina," which is being wet-leased from U.S.-based Atlas Air, is the first aircraft to carry the name and logo of the Swiss global logistics and freight forwarding group.
The aircraft will be deployed in Panalpina’s own controlled network, operating on its Dixie Jet service between Luxembourg and Huntsville, Alabama, and on other routes.
The 747-8 “opens up new horizons for flexible and innovative air freight solutions, especially for our healthcare, hi-tech, automotive, and oil and gas customers,” Panalpina CEO Monika Ribar said.
The second 747-8, also to be operated by Atlas Air, is scheduled for delivery later in 2012.
The Journal of Commerce Online