Amazon purchases its first-ever aircraft

Amazon’s cargo arm has announced it’s purchased 11 Boeing 767-300 – the first aircraft the internet shopping giant will own outright.

The seven planes from Delta and four from WestJet will join its active fleet of 73 leased 737s and 767s.

Sarah Rhoads, Amazon Global Air’s vice president, 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.”

The business said the WestJet 767s are currently undergoing passenger to cargo conversion and will join its network in 2021, while the seven from Delta debut in 2022.

Last year, Amazon opened its first air hub at Leipzig/Halle Airport in Germany and new regional air operations at airports including John F. Kennedy, San Francisco and Chicago O’Hare.

Amazon is continuing to expand its operation to increasingly focus on delivery, as well as selling stock.

In 2019, the business delivered 2.3 billion packages in North America compared to 3.1 billion by FedEx and 4.7 billion by UPS.

In June, World of Aviation reported how Amazon Air signed a lease agreement to acquire 12 Boeing 767-300s from Ohio-based Air Transport Services Group (ATSG).