Challenge Airlines IL (5C, Tel Aviv Ben Gurion) acquired its first nose-loading B747-400FSCD, namely 4X-ICK (msn 26563), to "stay ahead of the curve despite industry discussions about overcapacity".

The aircraft arrived at Liège on December 30, 2023, still flying for its former operator, Air Atlanta Icelandic (CC, Reykjavik Keflavik), as TF-AMC. It was subsequently re-registered in Israel and flown to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion on February 2, 2024, according to ADS-B data. It has yet to be deployed into revenue service.

"Challenge Group anticipates that the new aircraft will be deployed on strategic trade routes to enhance connectivity between Europe and the Far East," the holding said in a press release.

Challenge Airlines IL currently operates one B747-400ERF and one B767-300ER(BDSF). Its sister carrier, Challenge Airlines BE (X7, Liège), operates one B747-400(BCF), one -400ERF, and one -400FSCD, while Challenge Airlines MT (X6, Malta International) operates two B767-300ER(BDSF)s. Despite plans to grow the B767 fleet for short- and medium-haul routes, the holding plans to retain its B747 fleet due to its oversized cargo capacity and for the development of new markets.