Atlas Air has come to an agreement with Boeing to convert nine 767 passenger aircraft into Boeing Converted Freighters (BCF).

Four were previously announced at the Farnborough International Airshow in July, attributed to an unidentified customer. Boeing predicts in its current market outlook forecast that 400 widebody conversions will be needed over the next two decades, with strong demand for the 767 due to the rise of e-commerce.

Atlas Air chief executive officer, William Flynn says: “Boeing has been a longtime and trusted partner as we’ve built our fleet and business. We look forward to continuing to work with Boeing to provide operational excellence and support for our customers.”

Boeing Commercial Aviation Services vice president of sales and marketing, Rick Anderson says: “We look forward to supporting Atlas with our Boeing Converted Freighters as they expand their freighter operations.”

“With more than 40 years of experience in passenger-to-freighter conversions, Boeing has a deep understanding of the needs of the air cargo industry. Our freighter conversion program not only provides customers with world-class Boeing platforms, we also offer global support and the assurance of a Boeing-backed program.”