The value of Boeing 747-400 freighters has more than doubled, showing an average increase of 114% from the second to the third quarter of this year. This data, compiled by aviation consultancy IBA, highlights a robust demand for these aging aircraft in the air cargo market. The appreciation in value encompasses both purpose-built and converted 747-400F models.
This trend suggests that despite the introduction of newer, more fuel-efficient freighter types, the operational reliability and payload capacity of the 747-400 series continue to make them highly sought after. The increase in value reflects a tightening market for available freighter capacity.
For freight forwarders and operations managers, this development indicates sustained high demand in air cargo, potentially leading to stable or increased airfreight rates. The rising value of these older aircraft suggests that carriers are investing in extending their operational life, which could help maintain capacity in the short to medium term. However, the reliance on an aging fleet also poses long-term questions about sustainability and future capacity replacement strategies.
