Atlas Celebrates the Delivery of the Final 747 with Customer Apex Logistics

Representatives from Boeing, Apex Logistics, Atlas and Kuehne+Nagel took part in the ribbon cutting ceremony.

The final Queen of the Skies returned to Boeing last week to mark her official delivery to Apex Logistics, a Kuehne+Nagel company. This historic aircraft is the second 747-8F delivery as part of our long-term strategic partnership with Kuehne+Nagel.

“We were delighted to celebrate this great occasion with our valued partners at Apex Logistics and Kuehne+Nagel,” said John Dietrich. “The name of this aircraft – ‘Empower.’ – says it all. It reflects the strength of our partnership with Apex and Kuehne+Nagel, and affirms the bright future we will have together – as this Queen of the Skies begins serving customers for years to come.”

(L-R) Elsie Qian, Tony Song and Michael Steen.

Michael Steen added, “It was wonderful to gather not only with our partners across the Apex Logistics and Kuehne+Nagel teams, but with their customers as well, given the important role we play in their respective supply chains.”

He continued, “We look forward to providing high quality airfreight solutions for the customers of Apex Logistics and Kuehne+Nagel, as well as growing together responsibly for the future.”

Clockwise from top left: Captains Elena Robson, Greg Samson, Bob Ulrich and Tom Swanson piloted the plane from Paine Airfield to Anchorage.

The delivery ceremony included the traditional ribbon cutting and the presentation of keys – the final set of 747 keys to ever be produced – to Elsie Qian, CEO, Apex Americas and Tony Song, Group CEO, Apex Logistics.

The very next day at 9:00 a.m. local time, the final 747 departed for her first revenue flight. Atlas Air’s four most senior pilots – Captains Elena Robson, Greg Samson, Bob Ulrich and Tom Swanson – flew the plane from Paine Airfield to Anchorage. The father and son team of Erik Alba, Senior Manager, Standards and Procedures, and Miguel Alba, Load Control Agent, provided Ground Ops support.

Miguel Alba and Erik Alba.