Atlas Air Worldwide has entered into an agreement to operate its first Boeing 747-400 Freighter for Japanese carrier Nippon Cargo Airlines (NCA).

As part of the deal, NCA has the opportunity for additional aircraft in the future.

The contract is initially for one aircraft to be flown in key global routes across the transpacific connecting Asia and the US service is scheduled to begin in January 2017.

Atlas Air Worldwide president and chief executive officer (CEO), William J. Flynn says: “Nippon Cargo Airlines is an important addition to our customer portfolio. We are very pleased that NCA has chosen Atlas Air to manage an important part of its international network.

“NCA is very focused on high service quality, and we look forward to providing it and its customers with unmatched service and a platform for future expansion.”

NCA president and CEO, Fukashi Sakamoto adds: “We are delighted to begin this strategic arrangement with Atlas Air, and we look forward to having a long, mutually beneficial relationship.”