Who actually operates Amazon Air aircraft? The airlines behind Amazon’s cargo fleet

An Amazon-branded cargo jet operated by 21 Air recently made headlines following a runway overrun at Miami International Airport. The incident on 6 September remains under investigation.

Yet it highlights a little-known aspect of Amazon’s air cargo network: although Amazon has access to a fleet of more than 100 aircraft, it doesn’t actually operate the flights.

Instead the aircraft are flown by a network of specialist cargo carriers that provide the pilots, maintenance, and the regulatory approvals needed to conduct the flights.

What is Amazon Air?

Amazon Air is an air freight service that moves packages between fulfilment centres and sorting hubs. 

Amazon launched the operation in the US in 2016 on wet leases. Its first aircraft, a Boeing 767 known as Amazon One, took to the skies that year and the operation expanded rapidly.

By December 2018, 40 aircraft were flying in and out of more than 20 US airports, with Boeing 737 freighters added for shorter routes, and Boeing 767s for higher-capacity operations.

Amazon expanded internationally and by 2022, its global network had grown to over 100 aircraft. By 2024, Amazon Air was serving more than 70 destinations worldwide.

Today, Amazon Air Cargo says its network has more than 100 aircraft and 250 daily flights, operated by carrier partners. On its website it states, “Amazon is not an air carrier: we provide ACAR Services by contracting with air carriers that operate the aircraft.”

Who flies Amazon aircraft?

A number of companies operate the cargo aircraft for Amazon:

Air Transport International

One of the biggest operators of the Amazon Air network is Air Transport International (ATI). It is part of the Air Transport Services Group (ATSG) and previously provided aircraft and crew to Amazon before Amazon Air launched.

According to ATSG’s 2024 SEC filing, at the end of 2024 ATSG was leasing 30 Boeing 767 freighters to Amazon and operating 21 Boeing 767s provided by Amazon.

ABX Air

ABX Air is another Amazon Air carrier partner and is also part of ATSG. Amazon’s current Amazon Air Cargo website lists ABX among its direct air carrier partners.

Sun Country Airlines

Another major Amazon Air operator is Sun Country Airlines. The Minneapolis-based passenger and cargo airline has operated Amazon cargo flights since 2020. 

On its website, Sun County Airlines says its cargo operation flies 20 Amazon-owned freighters. 

21 Air

Fleet data from industry experts Cirium shows 21 Air operating eight aircraft for Amazon. 

The operator has been in the headlines following the runway overrun at Miami Airport on 6 September. The Amazon Air cargo jet involved was operated by 21 Air. 

The National Transportation Safety Board is currently investigating the incident and no cause has been given.

Hawaiian Airlines

Amazon also uses Hawaiian Airlines to operate its largest freighters: Airbus A330-300 converted freighters.

Amazon announced the deal in 2022, saying Hawaiian would maintain and operate an initial fleet of 10 aircraft on Amazon’s behalf.

Despite Hawaiian’s acquisition by Alaska Air Group, the operation continues under Hawaiian.

ASL Airlines Ireland

In Europe, Amazon uses ASL Airlines Ireland. This is part of ASL Aviation Holdings.

ASL says it operates freight aircraft for companies and online retailers including Amazon, DHL and FedEx.

QuikJet

In India, Amazon Air operates through QuikJet Airlines. The Indian cargo carrier is part of the ASL Aviation group.

Amazon launched its dedicated air cargo operation in India in 2023.

Cargojet

Amazon has used Canada’s Cargojet to operate Amazon-owned Boeing 767 freighters.

How many aircraft does Amazon Air have?

Amazon Air says its network includes more than 100 aircraft globally.

Does Amazon own any of the aircraft?

In January 2021, Amazon announced its first purchase of aircraft, buying 11 Boeing 767-300s from Delta Air Lines and WestJet.

It also leases a significant number of aircraft.

Why doesn’t Amazon operate its own cargo jets?

Running an airline involves a lot more than just owning aircraft. It requires pilots, maintenance teams and extensive operational infrastructure.

Instead of building and managing all that itself, Amazon contracts specialist airlines that already have those systems, personnel and regulatory approvals in place.

Who is responsible for flight safety?

The flight preparation and operational safety decisions are made by the air carrier, rather than Amazon.

On its website, Amazon says, “The air carrier’s pilot-in-command has full authority over preparation and acceptance of cargo for transport on the aircraft and all other aspects of flight safety.”

Air carriers must follow FAA rules, including preflight planning.

This means when an Amazon-branded aircraft is involved in an incident, investigations are typically conducted with the airline operating the flight, which holds the air operator certificate and conducts the flight operations.