TNT Airways and Guggenheim Aviation Partners, LLC have signed an agreement for the delivery and lease of three new Boeing 777-200 Long Ranger Freighters.
The first aircraft will be delivered and enter service by July 2011. The two other planes will enter service by the end of 2011.
The B777 freighters will operate on long-haul routes between Europe and Asia, where TNT currently operates a fleet of two owned B747-400ERFs and two B747-400ERFs on short-term lease.
The new B777 freighters will reduce TNT’s reliance on commercial line-haul and external short-term contract capacity, while providing the capacity required to support the company’s growth in Asia.
The B777 freighter offers a maximum payload of 107 tons compared to the 117 tons payload of a B747.
The substantial range capability of the B777 allows it to carry more payload than a 747 over distances greater than 13,000 kilometers.
“We are delighted to have concluded this agreement with Guggenheim for these aircraft and we are thrilled by the prospect of introducing the new type in our fleet,” said Niky Terzakis, Managing Director, TNT Global Air Network.
“Like the legacy 747, the B777 is a mature and very successful product and the most fuel-efficient freighter aircraft available, while offering near-equivalent performance to our 747 capacity.”
“Its performance and versatility are just excellent for the type of long-haul service we operate. These aircraft will equally have a positive impact on CO2 emissions while we are growing our business and network,” Terzakis said.
Steve Rimmer, Chief Executive Officer of Guggenheim Aviation Partners, says he is pleased to have the opportunity to work with TNT.
“The 777LRF is proving to be a perfect fit for this area of the freight market and will be a great addition to support TNT’s future plans,” he said.
About TNT Express
TNT Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands, provides businesses with an extensive range of services for their express delivery needs across the globe. Operating out of a network of 60 depots and over 250 agencies across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands with a fleet of over 2000 vehicles, TNT Australia employs approximately 5000 staff. TNT recognises its global social responsibility and has formed partnerships with the United Nations World Food Programme and the United Nations Environment Programme, to fight hunger and pollution in the world.
About Guggenheim Aviation Partners, LLC
Guggenheim Aviation Partners, LLC, is an investment manager, in the acquisition of new and used commercial aircraft for leasing to domestic and international passenger airlines and cargo operators. Guggenheim Aviation Partners, LLC launched its first commercial aviation fund in 2005 and shortly thereafter closed its second fund in 2007 with total capital commitments of $737 million. Guggenheim Aviation Partners, LLC now has in excess of $2.7 billion of commercial aviation assets under management, representing a broad range of Boeing and Airbus aircraft on lease to airlines and cargo operators around the world. Guggenheim Aviation Partners, LLC is an affiliate of Guggenheim Partners, LLC.
About Guggenheim Partners
Guggenheim Partners, LLC is a diversified financial services firm with more than $100 billion in assets under supervision. The firm’s businesses include investment management, investment advisory, insurance, investment banking and capital markets services. The firm is headquartered in Chicago and New York with a global network of offices throughout the United States, Europe and Asia.
For more information and enquiries, please contact:
Adrian Castorina
General Manager, Marketing & Communications
Phone: 02 8304 8727
Mobile: 0419 164 938
Email: adrian_castorina@tnt.com.au
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