21 Air Upgrades Fleet with Boeing 777s to Capture International Cargo Routes

Key Details 21 Air, a mid-size cargo carrier serving DHL Express and Amazon, is expanding its aircraft roster to include larger Boeing 777s as it pursues lucrative long-haul international freight operations. Owner Jim Crane, billionaire founder of Crane Worldwide Logistics, announced the strategic shift while installing Keith Winters as interim CEO to replace retiring Tim Strauss. Leadership Changes Winters, a trusted Crane confidant with over 25 years of history working under the billionaire, takes the helm on a temporary basis following Strauss's planned retirement after his two-year contract ended in February. Strauss continues in a consulting capacity through June, ensuring a smooth transition during this growth phase. Why It Matters The fleet expansion represents 21 Air's push into higher-revenue international markets that require larger, more capable aircraft. This move signals confidence in the cargo sector's recovery and positions the airline to compete for premium, long-distance freight contracts that smaller aircraft cannot efficiently handle. Ownership Clarity Crane firmly maintains control of 21 Air and emphasized that Canadian investor Cargojet, which holds a 25% stake, has no operational influence. Cargojet is exiting its position partly due to concerns about pilot union leverage during upcoming contract negotiations scheduled for June.