US aviation authorities have launched an investigation into a low pass incident involving a converted Boeing 777 freighter, raising fresh questions about operational safety standards within the converted freighter sector.
The probe comes at a time of significant growth in the global air cargo market, with carriers continuing to invest heavily in expanding their freighter fleets to meet rising demand.
In a notable development, China Southern Air Cargo has placed an order for five Boeing 777-8 freighters alongside two additional 777 freighters. The order underscores the carrier’s strategy to capitalise on sustained growth in the air freight sector and strengthen its position in international cargo markets.
The 777-8 freighter represents Boeing’s next-generation widebody cargo aircraft, offering improved fuel efficiency, greater payload capacity, and enhanced operational range compared with current models. These attributes make it particularly attractive to operators serving long-haul intercontinental trade lanes.