Cargo airline Amazon Air is set to add 11 Boeing 767-300 aircraft to its fleet to support the e-commerce retailer’s growing customer base.
As part of this, the company has bought seven aircraft from US carrier Delta and four planes from Canadian airline WestJet.
The expansion came as customers are increasingly depending on fast, free shipping due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Amazon Global Air vice-president Sarah Rhoads said: “Our goal is to continue delivering for customers across the US in the way that they expect from Amazon, and purchasing our own aircraft is a natural next step toward that goal.
“Having a mix of both leased and owned aircraft in our growing fleet allows us to better manage our operations, which, in turn, helps us to keep pace in meeting our customer promises.”
Aircraft purchased from WestJet is currently being remodelled from passenger to cargo and are scheduled to join Amazon Air’s network this year.
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By GlobalDataThe seven aircraft from Delta will enter Amazon’s air cargo network in 2022.
The additional aircraft will ensure added capacity in Amazon Air’s network in the coming years.
Last year, Amazon launched its first-ever air hub at Leipzig/Halle Airport in Germany and new regional air operations in various locations.
Later this year, Amazon Air purchased six million gallons of sustainable aviation fuel. It also invested in advanced electric ground service equipment and solar rooftop panels planned.
In July 2019, Amazon revealed plans to invest more than $10bn for the development of the LEO satellite constellation.
