Amazon is adding eleven Boeing 767-300 aircraft to its fleet, bringing the total number of aircraft at the company’s disposal to more than 90.
Massive increase in fleet
The purchase of the aircraft, which Amazon acquired from Delta Airlines and WestJet Airlines, is noteworthy, as the U.S. company previously relied exclusively on rental and leasing agreements. That practice now appears to be being replaced, at least in part, by the actual purchase of the aircraft. Sara Rhoads, vice president of Amazon Global Air, believes that “a mix of leased and purchased aircraft in the growing fleet […] allows for better coordination of the business.” Some of the aircraft now being purchased are still being refitted, as they were originally passenger planes.
In concrete terms, Amazon’s purchase is likely to be a response to the further sharp rise in demand due to the pandemic, which necessitates more means of transport. Twelve cargo aircraft were already leased last year for this reason.
Large investments in logistics
Away from purchases, Amazon also appears to be investing heavily in expanding its logistics at the moment. In the summer, for example, the company announced its intention to purchase six million gallons of sustainable kerosene. In addition, the company’s first European air freight center was recently opened in Leipzig/Halle. According to its own statements, Amazon has invested several hundred million dollars in Amazon Air in recent years, creating thousands of jobs in the process.
