volkan.basar via Getty Images
When Amazon first established its own fleet (called Prime Air at the time) in 2016, it had only 11 aircraft.However, according to the company Bloomberg It was revealed that they expect that by the end of 2022, the fleet will be expanded to 85 aircraft. But more important than the total number is that Amazon will directly purchase aircraft for the fleet for the first time, instead of renting them as before.
AmazonPurchased 7 second-hand Boeing 767-300 aircraft by Delta Air Lines, and purchased 4 aircraft of the same type by WestJet in Canada. After being converted to a cargo aircraft type, 4 WestJet aircraft are expected to be added to the fleet by the end of this year, while 7 Delta aircraft will be added in 2022. However, although Amazon owns these aircraft, daily operations will be entrusted to external contractors.
Amazon’s move may be the right move to buy aircraft when the epidemic is raging and airlines are eager to get rid of, and the total cost for a long time can be lower than that of leasing. But from another perspective, this also shows Amazon’s confidence in the continued growth of online shopping business in the post-epidemic era. It is estimated that Amazon’s fleet may grow to more than 200 aircraft in the next few years, which is the same level as UPS.
—
