UPS acquires B747-8Fs from Qatar Airways

According to various aviation sites like CargoFacts, Qatar Airways has sold its two Boeing B747-8Fs to United Parcel Service as the airline is standardizing on the B777F.

The first aircraft, A7-BGA, has now been registered N634UP (37564). It was retired by Qatar Airways on 31 December 2023 and was ferried to Victorville (CA) on 1 February 2024 where it will be prepared for UPS. The second aircraft, A7-BGB (63199), is currently still in use with Qatar and will be phased-out when its next new B777F will be delivered. It's expected that it will become N635UP.

Once both B747-8Fs have been delivered, UPS will operate a 30-strong fleet of B747-8Fs, making it the largest operator of the type. Next to these -8Fs, the airline is also operating thirteen B747-400Fs, 52 Airbus A300Fs, 75 B757-200Fs, 88 B767-300Fs, and 35 MD-11Fs. In the coming years, UPS is set to actively retire its MD-11Fs. At least seven will be phased-out this year, eight in 2025, and seven in 2026. To replace this type, the airline currently evaluating the options for placing an order for new aircraft like the A350F and B777-8F.

Photo by Anton Homma.