Maersk Air Cargo UK has expanded its operations with the arrival of a second Boeing 767-200 freighter and confirmation that it has secured its UK air operator certificate (AOC). The airline took delivery of its second 767-200F last month, following the arrival of its first in January, according to data from Planespotters. The news was first reported by Cargo Facts.
The latest aircraft, registered as G-MACY, is a 36-year-old converted BDSF (BEDEK Special Freighter) currently stationed at Shannon Airport (SNN) for maintenance. Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 shows that the aircraft has not operated any flights in the past week. The first 767-200F, registered as G-MACZ, is also a converted BDSF and is 31 years old. It recently operated flights between Shannon Airport and Belfast International Airport (BFS) on March 11, according to Flightradar24.
Following the delivery of G-MACZ, flight data showed that the aircraft had previously completed a return flight from East Midlands Airport (EMA) to Shannon in January. While Maersk has not confirmed whether this was a test flight or the beginning of commercial services, the company stated that Shannon is used for aircraft maintenance. It also confirmed that it had received its UK AOC from the Civil Aviation Authority, suggesting the flights were part of pre-commercial preparations.
A Maersk spokesperson confirmed that the airline has obtained its UK AOC to “service our existing customer base” but did not provide details on flight routes, frequencies, or markets served. Maersk Air Cargo initially applied for a UK operating license in April last year, stating that the move was intended to “support our ongoing business activities in Europe and the UK.”
Maersk Air Cargo was officially launched as a business in April 2022, with operations beginning later that year in October. The airline’s fleet currently includes two Boeing 777 freighters and 18 Boeing 767 freighters, according to Planespotters. Last year, Maersk took delivery of two new 777Fs, which were deployed on its route between Billund, Denmark, and Hangzhou, China.