AFCOM Cargo Moves to Acquire Boeing 777 Freighters in Major Expansion Plan

Chennai based cargo carrier AFCOM Cargo has taken a significant step toward expanding its long‑haul widebody operations, signing a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Boeing for the acquisition of up to four 777‑8F freighters. The disclosure was filed on 2 September 2026, marking the company’s first move into next‑generation widebody freighter capacity.

According to AFCOM Holdings, the LOI remains subject to final documentation, but the carrier’s leadership has indicated that the intent is firmly to acquire four aircraft as negotiations progress. The 777‑8F, Boeing’s latest long‑range freighter variant, offers substantial payload and efficiency improvements over existing twin‑engine widebodies, making it a suitable platform for AFCOM’s planned network growth.

The aircraft will be based in Chennai, aligning with AFCOM’s current operational footprint. The carrier expects the new freighters to support expansion into the Far East and Africa, building on a network that presently extends to the Middle East through Dubai. Demand across the Far East–Southeast Asia–India–Africa corridor has been described as strong enough to support multiple operators, with AFCOM already receiving customer interest for future widebody services.

AFCOM Cargo currently operates three Boeing 737‑800 freighters, with plans to grow its narrowbody fleet to five aircraft in the coming months. The addition of four 777‑8Fs would mark a major shift in the carrier’s capabilities, enabling it to transport higher‑value and specialised cargo including pharmaceuticals, perishables, engineering equipment and automotive components on long‑haul routes.

The company had initially evaluated older 777 freighters but is now positioning itself for new‑build aircraft as part of a long‑term fleet modernisation strategy. The 777‑8F’s payload capacity and availability were key factors in the selection, with AFCOM identifying it as the only aircraft in its class currently accessible in the market.

The LOI has been filed under SEBI Regulation 30, with AFCOM confirming that further disclosures will follow once definitive agreements are signed. At this stage, no delivery timeline or commercial terms have been released due to non‑disclosure agreements governing negotiations with Boeing.

The move signals AFCOM’s intent to strengthen its position in India’s rapidly expanding air‑cargo sector, leveraging widebody capability to compete more effectively on international corridors. The finalisation of a purchase agreement will be the next major milestone, expected to clarify delivery schedules, financing structure and long‑term fleet planning.