UPS has announced it has ordered 27 new Boeing 767-300ER freighters to support its growing package business while providing broad options for the management of its jet fleet.The 27 aircraft will be delivered between 2009 and 2012. The value of the contract was not disclosed.

Management stated that the wide-body 767's can be used on routes to and from Europe and Latin America as well as on lanes within Asia and Europe. Furthermore, the 27 new freighters will allow UPS Airlines to improve the efficiency and speed of its air network as it eventually replaces ageing aircraft.

"The Boeing 767-300ER freighter already is part of our current air fleet and we know from experience what a great workhorse it is," said Bob Lekites, UPS Vice President for Airline and International Operations. "It's also a good answer to our fleet management needs because it provides great flexibility, fast time in transit and sound cost performance. In addition, we already have the pilot training, ground support and maintenance systems in place, making for a seamless integration."

The 767-300ER freighter entered service with UPS in 1995. Powered by General Electric jet engines, the plane can carry 24 containers on its upper deck and seven containers in the lower cargo compartments. It has a maximum payload of 132,200 pounds and a range of 3,000 nautical miles.

"This is a great aircraft for the long-term needs of our company," noted David Abney, UPS's chief operating officer and president of UPS Airlines. "It will support our global growth; it meets the strictest noise and emission standards in the U.S. and Europe, and each one will have state-of-the-art navigation and collision avoidance systems that will serve us for years to come."

The order for the 27 B-767s is not related to UPS's on-going review of its order for 10 Airbus A380 freighters. The A380s are planned to be utilized on specific long-haul routes currently serviced by B-747 and MD-11 freighters.