UPS Inc., the world’s largest shipping carrier, said Wednesday it has ordered eight new freighters from Boeing Co. to support its international growth.
Terms of the deal for the Boeing 747-400 freighters, which will be delivered in 2007 and 2008, were not disclosed.
General Electric will provide engines for the new aircraft.
Atlanta-based UPS said the new freighters will help it increase capacity on routes connecting Asia, Europe and North America.
UPS already has 20 Boeing MD-11 freighters that it uses on international routes. It said the new 747-400 aircraft can handle a larger payload than the MD-11 and will be used as international volume grows.
The Boeing 747-400 freighter has the capacity to carry a structural payload of 250,000 pounds with a range of 4,400 nautical miles.