ATLAS AIR LEASES 747-400 FREIGHTER TO ALITALIA

ATLAS AIR LEASES 747-400 FREIGHTER TO ALITALIA

   Atlas Air Inc., the U.S.-based airline that flies freighters for other airlines, said Monday it has placed one of its new Boeing 747-400 freighters with Alitalia Airlines.

   Alitalia has been using a 747-200 under a wet-lease agreement in which Atlas provides aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance. The 747-400 provides larger payload and range capabilities.

   Atlas has also put a new 747-400 freighter into service for China Southern, China's largest airline, in its Shenzhen, China/Chicago route, which started Friday. China Southern also operated a 747-200 prior to the upgrade.

   Golden, Colo.-based Atlas earlier this month announced the purchase of two B747-300 aircraft for conversion into all-cargo configuration.

   Boeing’s Airplane Services division will convert the aircraft at its Wichita, Kan., facility for delivery in the fourth quarter this year. Boeing will make the planes standard with Atlas’ current fleet of B747-200s.