Global shipping delays lead to demand for freighters

GLOBAL shipping delays are causing increased demand for Everett-built Boeing freighters, with the delays backing up west coast ports, causing couriers to turn toward the sky to get the goods where they need to go, reports Seattle's King TV News.

Larger planes that usually carry freight on long-distance flights are out of commission, as demand for international flying is still struggling to make a comeback during the ongoing Covid crisis.

"The demand for air freight is still there, so we have more dedicated freighters entering the market to move those goods around the world." said Boeing director of marketing Tom Sanderson.

Through September of 2021, airlines ordered 59 Everett-built freighters, including 36 777s, 19 767s, and earlier this year, four 747-8 freighters.

Additionally, Boeing will convert 80 passenger airplanes into freighters overseas.

Said Air Insight researcher Michael Merluzeau: "It's going to be this kind of stuff that's absolutely critical to keep the economy going,"

"They're going to ship by air. If somebody wants to pay the money for air freight, be my guest." said Mr Merluzeau.

Mr Merluzeau declared that e-commerce is a global driver of increased shipping demand.

While shipping delays won't last forever, Mr Sanderson predicts current shifts in shipping methods may be here to stay.

"Our customers are seeing disruption of other supply chains, so they'd like to insulate themselves against that. And dedicated production freighters like the '67 and the 777 and the conversion freighters like the 737 and the 767 can insulate them against potential disruption in other places." said Mr Sanderson.

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2021/11/18 13:23:15