M 2-SC Air Cargo, the airfreight arm of global logistics firm Mediterranean Shipping Company Group (MSC), has agreed a deal with Boeing for the supply of five Boeing 787-8 Freightersto its fleet of cargo aircraft.
The announcement came at the opening of the second day of the Farnborough International Airshow, where on the previous day, deals for 234 commercial aircraft worth $48.8 billion were signed.
MSC Air Cargo adds the Boeing 777-8F
On the morning of 21 July, MSC Air Cargo announced that it agreed terms with Boeing for the supply of five Boeing 777-8 widebody freighters to its fleet. The additional aircraft will join seven other 777Fs already operated by the Swiss-based shipping giant.
The previously unidentified order will allow MSC Air Cargo to expand operations as demand for its services continues to grow. As the company’s first order for the next-generation 777-8 Freighter, the order marks the firm’s commitment to operate the latest technology freighters in an increasingly competitive global market for dedicated freighters.
“With this order, we are investing in the long-term future of MSC Air Cargo and in the customers we serve,” said Jannie Davel, CEO of MSC Air Cargo. “The 777-8 Freighter gives us the efficiency, range and capacity to serve our customers reliably for years to come, while advancing our commitment to more sustainable operations. It is the right aircraft for the next stage of our growth.”
According to a Boeing statement, the 777-8 Freighter offers the highest payload and the lowest fuel use, emissions and operating cost per tonne of any large freighter on the market.
Widebody freighters fly approximately 75% of global air cargo capacity, while “the air freight sector is expected to play a crucial role in the decades ahead as e-commerce continues to grow,” added Boeing.
“MSC Air Cargo is investing in its future with this order for large widebody freighter aircraft that will further enhance the capability and reach of its global air network,” said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. “The 777-8 Freighter will be the most efficient aircraft in its class and will connect MSC Air Cargo’s hubs to key international markets.”
MSC joins a growing list of 777-8F customers
Boeing has booked more than 80 orders for the 777-8 Freighter to date, with MSC Air Cargo becoming the third Europe-based air cargo operator to order the type after Lufthansa Cargo (seven aircraft) and Cargolux (ten aircraft plus six options).
Other customers for the twin-engined widebody freighter include Qatar Cargo, Silkway West Airlines, China Airlines, China Southern and Korean Air.
The 777-8F competes with the Airbus A350F in the next-gen freighter market
The Boeing 777-8 Freighter is the cargo variant of the 777X family, developed to succeed the highly successful 777F and replace ageing Boeing 747-400 freighters.
Boeing officially launched the program in January 2022 with Qatar Airways as the launch customer, combining proven 777F capabilities with advanced 777X technologies. Qatar Airways has an order for 34 of the type.
The aircraft features the 777X’s composite folding wing, GE9X engines, and upgraded flight systems, delivering approximately 30% lower fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions than the freighters it is designed to replace, while offering similar payload with greater cargo volume and range.
Development has progressed steadily despite delays affecting the wider 777X program. Boeing began fabricating major structures in 2025, and by early 2026 the first aircraft had reached the wing-body join stage at the Everett assembly plant, with systems installation underway.
The 777-8F has attracted strong interest from major cargo operators, reflecting growing demand for efficient long-haul freighters as global air cargo continues to expand. The aircraft’s primary competitor is the yet-to-fly Airbus A350 freighter, which has so far achieved 114 orders from 14 customers and is due for its first flight sometime in the third quarter of 2026.
Lock in to AGN, the official media partner of FIA 2026, for all the latest news. Bookmark our page for rolling updates from the show.Lock in to AGN, the official media partner of FIA 2026, for all the latest news. Bookmark our page for rolling updates from the show.
News
Air TransportFarnborough International AirshowAir cargoboeingboeing 777-8FBoeing 777FDedicated freighterMSC Air Cargo
Sign up for our newsletter and get our latest content in your
inbox.
1
Luxair firms order for two more Boeing 737-10s
Luxair firms order for two more Boeing 737-10s
Farnborough Internation…
2
Uganda Airlines orders Boeing 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliners at Farnborough Airshow
Uganda Airlines orders Boeing 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliners at…
Uganda Airlines
3
Air Canada and Airbus team up to accelerate a
Air Canada and Airbus team up to accelerate a
4
Embraer expands European C-390 training network with new simulators for Sweden and Austria
Embraer expands European C-390 training network with new simulators for…
Embraer
