ATSG prepares to operate A330 freighters for Amazon, beginning Q1 2027
ATSG’s subsidiary is preparing to operate Airbus A330 freighters for Amazon, with flights expected to start in the first quarter of 2027. Amazon has committed to multi-year operating leases for four A330 aircraft.
ATSG has provided Amazon with Boeing 767-200 and 767-300 cargo jets since 2016, and its fleet now includes more than 100 aircraft, 56 of which are operated by ATSG companies. The move to A330s responds to a shrinking pool of mid-life Boeing 767 passenger jets available for cargo conversion as the model is no longer produced. ATSG plans to acquire and convert 30 A330s for cargo, with the modification work performed by Airbus aftermarket partner Elbe Flugzeugwerke GmbH. The first A330 freighter has been received and ABX Air is working with the FAA to add the type to its operating certificate, while Airborne Maintenance & Engineering develops maintenance programs for the aircraft at Wilmington Air Park in Ohio and Tampa, Florida.
“The Airbus addition represents the future fleet for ATSG. The 767 still has years of use in our network and can support charter and [bundled aircraft, crew and maintenance packages], but the medium-widebody of the future will be the A330,” Kym Parks, spokeswoman said.
ATSG has been Amazon’s primary air logistics partner since 2016, flying Boeing 767-200 and 767-300 cargo jets on the retailer’s behalf. Amazon’s air cargo network relies on more than 100 aircraft, with 56 operated by ATSG companies, as the retailer seeks to replace aging 767s amid declining availability of mid-life conversions.
What we know
Amazon’s fleet stands at more than 100 aircraft, 56 of which are operated by ATSG companies – including 13 flown by ABX Air.
ATSG expects to begin flying the new A330 freighter for Amazon in the first quarter of 2027.
Amazon has committed to multi-year operating leases for four A330s.
ATSG intends to acquire and convert 30 A330s for cargo.
Alaska Airlines operates 11 Airbus A330 freighters for Amazon.