Still problems for Boeing 
Atlas Air cancels three 747-8Fs

Boeing's 747-8 freighter program was dealt another blow Thursday when Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings canceled three of the 12 -8Fs it had on order, citing "lengthy delays and performance considerations."

Coming on the heels of Cargolux's  surprising decision to decline delivery of the first two 747-8Fs. Atlas, move raises more questions about the aircraft's operating performance. A Cargolux executive said the -8F had an "overall performance shortfall," but there has been wide speculation that Qatar Airways, which holds a 35% stake in Cargolux, played a strong role in the delivery deferral, in part to express its dissatisfaction with Boeing over 787 delays.

Atlas Air said it now expects to receive three 747-8Fs in 2011, four in 2012 and two in 2013. The first five already have been placed under long-term ACMI contracts with British Airways (three) and Panalpina (two).

Atlas Air  President stated, "As prudent asset managers, terminating the first three aircraft was the right decision for our fleet, our customers and our stockholders. We expect the remaining 747-8Fs in our order to be better-performing aircraft than those we have terminated."

By the end of 2013,Atlas Air cargo fleet is expected to comprise nine 747-8Fs and 24 747-400Fs. It plans to retire its last five 747-200Fs by mid-2012.