UPS signs firm contract for 10 A380 freighters

UPS has formally signed a contract for 10 Airbus A380 freighter aircraft to confirm itscommitment announced in January 2005, Airbus announced. Deliveries to UPS are scheduled between

“The A380’s strength as a freighter in the global market is reinforced by this order from UPS,”said Gustav Humbert, President and Chief Executive Officer of Airbus. “We will be proud to have theA380 play such a major role in international shipping, and therefore global commerce, as it joinsthe UPS fleet.”

UPS took delivery of its first Airbus aircraft in 2000 and currently operates a fleet of 47 A300freighters. The UPS A380F will carry a freight load of 330,000 pounds on three decks, with a cargovolume capacity of 40,000 cubic feet, a distance of some 5,600 nautical miles

Airbus has received 27 freighter orders to date, including an order for 10 A380Fs from FedEx.The first A380 freighter is slated for delivery in 2008.