Qantas Freight has welcomed a new addition to its fleet with the first of two Boeing 747-8F freighter aircraft touching down in Sydney today.

The next generation freighters will be operated by Atlas Air, on behalf of Qantas. Each aircraft offers 20 per cent more freight capacity and space for seven extra cargo pallets compared to the 747-400F.

Qantas Freight Executive Manager Paul Jones said the arrival of the 747-8F aircraft would better meet customer demand for freight capacity around the globe.

“More capacity and better reliability means we can continue to deliver for our customers in Australia and around the globe,” Mr Jones said.

“These aircraft have a far better environmental footprint, producing less carbon emissions and offering greater efficiency, something that we know is really important to our customers.”

Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer for Atlas Air Worldwide, Michael Steen, said the company is delighted that Qantas Freight have extended their long-term relationship and partnership with Atlas Air.

The two freighters will operate between Australia, China and the USA with additional routes currently being explored. The second 747-8F aircraft will enter service later this week.

While the aircraft will be painted in Atlas Air livery, the Qantas Freight logo will be displayed on either side of the nose and underneath the freighters’ nose cargo door.

The 747-8’s iconic nose door allows easier loading of oversized cargo and helps achieve faster turnaround times.

The arrival of the new aircraft follows Qantas Freight’s announced of a new seven-year agreement with Australia Post to enhance the domestic network. The new agreement, worth more than $1 billion, also paves the way for up to three A321 passenger to freighter aircraft join the fleet from October 2020.