Afcom Signs LOI for Up to Four Boeing 777-8 Freighters

Afcom Holdings has signed a letter of intent (LOI) with Boeing for the purchase of up to four 777-8F freighter aircraft. The LOI is subject to finalizing definitive documentation between the two parties, and Afcom's Chairperson Deepak Parasuraman mentioned that the number of aircraft could change as the deal moves forward.

The new widebody aircraft will be based in Chennai, where Afcom's existing freighter operation is located. They are intended to support Afcom's expansion into the Far East and Africa, building on its current network that reaches the Middle East through Dubai. Parasuraman said there is strong demand for a widebody service in this region, with customers already expressing interest.

Afcom's fleet plan includes five Boeing 737 freighters, up from three currently, with two more expected within a couple of months. The four 777s will sit alongside this narrowbody fleet, initially consisting of older 777s before they are replaced or supplemented by new-build aircraft. Parasuraman chose the 777 for its size and payload capacity, describing it as the only readily available aircraft in the market.