AFCOM signs LOI to acquire four Boeing 777-8Fs

Afcom Holdings Limited (AFCOM), an Indian international cargo airline based in Chennai that operates across domestic and international routes, has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Boeing to acquire up to four Boeing 777-8F freighter aircraft.

The proposed addition marks a significant step in AFCOM’s fleet expansion and international growth strategy, strengthening its long-haul cargo capabilities and expanding its connectivity across key global trade corridors.

The Boeing 777 wide-body freighters have approximately five times the capacity of AFCOM’s existing Boeing 737-800 freighters and are planned for long-haul sectors requiring 10–12 hours or longer flying time.

According to fleet data, the airline currently operates three Boeing 737-800 freighters.

“This proposed acquisition is an important step in AFCOM's growth journey, giving us greater scale and flexibility to pursue larger cargo opportunities and serve evolving customer requirements across markets,” said Deepak Parasuraman, Chairman & Managing Director of AFCOM.

AFCOM had previously said in September 2025 that it aimed to induct four Boeing 777 wide-body freighters by June 2027, with two aircraft to be funded through a preferential share issue and the other two through an institutional share placement, ch-aviation reported.

Parasuraman said AFCOM initially plans to acquire older B777s before adding new-build aircraft. It remains unclear whether the B777-8Fs will replace or supplement the previously planned aircraft, the report said.

According to Boeing data, Boeing has received more than 80 orders for its upcoming 777-8F freighter, while rival Airbus has around 115 orders for the A350F. 

The first Boeing 777-8F freighter is expected to be delivered in 2028, pending final certification milestones, with Qatar Airways as the launch customer.

Boeing says the upcoming 777-8F will have a range of 5,000 nmi with a 110-tonne payload, while offering a 30% reduction in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions compared with the aircraft it will replace.