Amazon continues its expansion into the air freight business. GeekWire illustration
Amazon continues its expansion into the air freight business. GeekWire illustration

Amazon.com’s worldwide delivery operations got a boost today when a deal was announced between the Seattle online retailer and Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings. As part of the long-term strategic relationship, Atlas Air will provide air cargo services for Amazon, helping to support “fast deliveries” to Amazon customers.

atlasair-Screen Shot 2016-05-05 at 7.39.52 AMThe news was disclosed in an earnings report for Atlas Air, which touted the deal as “meaningful accretive” and one that could lead to “future growth opportunities.” Atlas Air will operate 20 converted Boeing 767-300s as part of the alliance with Amazon.

In addition, Amazon has secured rights to purchase shares in Atlas Air.

Amazon has recently accelerated efforts in parcel delivery, taking on the likes of FedEx and UPS in what could be the company’s next ambitious conquest.

In March, Amazon disclosed that it owns about 10-percent of Air Transport Services Group, the company that it recently leased 20 cargo jets from.

In today’s trading, shares of Atlas Air soared more than 22 percent after the deal with Amazon was announced.

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