Amazon Air finally outright owns a Boeing 767 aircraft. Until now, the company had been flying the widebody under leasing agreements. However, the cargo outfit received its first independent unit this month.
Improving operations
Seth Miller at PaxEx.Aero reports that the aircraft holds registration number N503AZ. It was issued to Amazon.com Services LLC on August 31st and will serve on the company’s shipping operations across the globe.
The global conglomerate was issued its Part 135 Airline Operations Certificate (AOC) over the weekend. This allowance gives Amazon the opportunity to continue and expand its testing of drone services for its US deliveries. Along with this progress, the firm has a 767-300 as a direct registration rather than flying it as part of a lease agreement.
This jet joins 36 other Boeing 767s in Amazon Air’s fleet. Additionally, the firm holds 15 757 aircraft. Altogether, these two types give the company a well-rounded offering for short, medium, and long-distance operations. Furthermore, it has aligned with other carriers to help take services under its name.
The jet’s journey
According to Planespotters.net, this 767 first joined Qantas as registration VH-OGJ in October 1991 and was given the nickname of City of Port Macquarie. 11 years later, it joined Australian Airlines.
However, the aircraft made a return to Qantas in 2006 before making its way to Boeing Capital Corporation as N324BC in January 2015. In October of that year, it joined WestJet as C-FOGJ for five years. The plane then went into storage in March and joined Amazon in the middle of this month. It is currently based in Florida’s Lake City.
Becoming more self-sufficient
Amazon Air has been expanding rapidly since 2015, and this development is set to continue into this decade. This year has been an extra busy period for the carrier, with the public relying on the delivery of goods and supplies more than ever.
Along with its mix of standard and freighter aircraft, it also has a partnership with Sun Country Airlines to fulfill demand. With the Amazon brand generally keen to consolidate its operations across the board, it won’t be a surprise to see more aircraft with registrations officially under its name.
Altogether, Amazon will be glad to be owning this aircraft rather than operating all of its 767s under leasing agreements. As the company’s growth shows no signs of stopping, it’ll be keen to become even more self-reliant.
Simple Flying reached out to Amazon for comment on its Boeing 767 aircraft but did not hear back before publication. We will update the article with any further announcements.
What are your thoughts about Amazon Air taking on its own Boeing 767 aircraft? Do you think that this is a good move for the company? Let us know what you think of the situation in the comment section.
