Global air cargo carrier FedEx Express has placed an order with Boeing to purchase 24 freighter aircraft worth $6.6bn at list prices.

The order includes 12 767 and 12 777 freighters. Boeing has sold more than 50 widebody freighters so far this year.

Boeing’s 767 freighter is designed to carry around 52.7 tonnes of revenue cargo, and offers a flexible platform to serve the long-haul, regional or feeder markets.

The 777 twin-engine freighter jet can fly 9,070km with 112t of payloads and consumes 18% less fuel than the planes it replaces.

It also has quieter takeoffs and landings to meet airport noise standards.

“We are taking another positive step in our fleet modernisation programme as we add more efficient, lower emission aircraft to our global fleet.”

FedEx has already used the 777 jet to connect Asia with its hub in Memphis, Tennessee.

The company is also a major operator of Boeing’s 757 and 767 freighters.

FedEx Express president and CEO David Cunningham said: “We are taking another positive step in our fleet modernisation programme as we add more efficient, lower emission aircraft to our global fleet.

“The Boeing 767 and 777 Freighters have brought greater efficiency and reliability to our air operations.

“The 777, with its tremendous range characteristics, has allowed us to provide faster transit times around the globe.”

Last year, the global air cargo industry saw a 10% increase in demand and expects to witness another 4% to 5% increase this year.

To meet the demand and increase capacity, air cargo operators are either converting passenger jets into freighters or ordering new cargo jets.