POLAR AIR PICKS UP FIRST B747-400

POLAR AIR PICKS UP FIRST B747-400    Polar Air Cargo, the California-based all-cargo airline, took delivery of the first of five new B747-400 freighters scheduled for delivery from Boeing Co.
   Polar is in the midst of a fleet renewal program that has the carrier replacing older B747-100 aircraft with newer and more dependable B747-200 and -400 version freighters. Polar is leasing the new B747-400s from its parent company GE Capital Aviation Services. GE hopes newer planes will revitalize Polar, which has been struggling financially in recent years.
   “The induction of the B747-400F is a vital component of our strategic plan to position Polar as a leader in international air freight transportation,” said Eric Dull, Polar’s chairman and chief executive officer. “The 400s will be the cornerstone of our fleet for the next decade.”
   Polar said it will operate the planes on routes connecting New York and Chicago with Tokyo, Hong Kong and Taiwan.