A 33-year-old Amazon Air Boeing 767-300F, a veteran in the skies, met an unfortunate end on January 15, 2026, when it made a hard landing in San Bernardino, California. The aircraft, inbound from Spokane, Washington, suffered visible fuselage damage, prompting a National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation. This incident raises questions about the reliability of older aircraft and the challenges faced by Amazon Air as it expands its operations.
The 767-300F, once a passenger jet for American Airlines, has been a workhorse for Amazon Air since its conversion to a freighter. Amazon's fleet, averaging just over 30 years of age, is a mix of leased and owned aircraft, with the majority of 767-300F airframes operated by Air Transport International (ATI). However, the company's future growth may lean towards the Airbus A330-300F, offering increased volume and fuel efficiency.
The hard landing in San Bernardino is a stark reminder of the challenges associated with aging aircraft. While preliminary investigations have not revealed the exact cause, factors like pilot error, environmental conditions, or airframe fatigue could be contributing factors. The incident comes on the heels of another mishap involving an Amazon Air Airbus A330, which suffered a bird strike and engine fire shortly after takeoff from Cincinnati Airport.
As Amazon Air continues to expand its logistics and distribution network, the pressure on ground crew and aircrew intensifies. The opening of new hubs, like the one in Jacksonville, Florida, aims to reduce long-haul flying and spread the operational burden. However, the transition to newer aircraft types and the aging fleet present a delicate balance. Aviation experts suggest that these incidents are part of a broader trend within Amazon Air, highlighting the need for careful management and maintenance as the company scales up its operations.
