Atlas Air Holdings, the second largest customer for the 747-8F, abandoned three of the jumbo freighters it has on order, reducing its overall order from 12 to nine aircraft.
The move, driven by schedule and performance issues on the early aircraft, advances the cargo carrier’s fourth through sixth 747-8Fs built to deliveries later this year.
The cancellation adds to the program’s customer woes which began on September 16 when launch operator Cargolux abruptly cancelled the delivery of its first two aircraft this week.
Atlas received compensation for delays associated with it’s 747-8F order, which reportedly included operation of the four 747 Large Cargo Freighter Dreamlifters that act as the structural transport for the 787 program. Evergreen International Airlines operated the fleet from August 2007 to September 2010.
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This post originally appeared at Flightglobal.com from 2007 to 2012.