Amazon is introducing 10 Airbus A330-300 aircraft to its Amazon Air fleet. These will begin operations in late 2023 after they having been converted from passenger aircraft to freighters.
Amazon Air has been operating since 2016 and now has 110 aircraft in its global fleet. At the same time, it has developed facilities like the US air hub at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport as well as other stations around the world.
In a blog post, Vice President of Amazon Global Air Sarah Rhoads wrote, “It was meaningful to reach so many more customers in different parts of the world during a time when many were relying on us to get them what they needed while they lived and worked from home. Now, when I look at our network, I know that we have the structure we need to be nimble when the expected and unexpected, like Hurricane Fiona and Hurricane Ian, occur.”
“These A330s will not only be the first of their kind in our fleet, but they’ll also be the newest, largest aircraft for Amazon Air, allowing us to deliver more customer packages with each flight,” added Rhoads.
The new aircraft are to be leased by aircraft lessor Altavair and to be operated by Hawaiian Airlines which will maintain them as well.
“The aircraft, leased from aircraft lessor Altavair, are currently undergoing passenger-to-cargo conversion and will be the first A330 freighter conversions to operate in the US when they enter our network in late 2023,” she noted.
“Additionally, we are bringing on a new partner, Hawaiian Airlines, which will maintain and operate these aircraft on our behalf. This reflects the results they deliver as a renowned airline with their own A330 fleet. We’re thrilled to have these new partners joining us for this next chapter of Amazon Air’s journey, and I can’t wait to watch these birds take flight next year,” Rhoads continued.
Meanwhile, she also added that, in late 2023, Amazon will be phasing out some older aircraft.
