|
Boeing, Singapore Technologies Aerospace
(ST Aerospace) and ANA (All Nippon Airways) celebrated the completion and certification of
the first 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighter at a redelivery ceremony held in Singapore
on Monday. Boeing launched the 767-300BCF passenger-to-freighter conversion program in 2005 with three firm orders and four options from ANA. Since then, ANA has exercised all the
options and now has ordered seven passenger-to-freighter conversions in all.
"We are delighted to take delivery of the first 767-300BCF. It will be a key aircraft in the expansion of our cargo operation and express
delivery services to countries neighbouring Japan," said Shinsuke Maki, ANA's senior vice president, Engineering & Maintenance, who was
present at the ceremony. "The 767 has long been the work-horse of the ANA passenger fleet; it is very gratifying to see an old friend work
beyond retirement, and in doing so contribute to the environment in terms of saving and reusing resources."
The ANA jet began its transformation from a passenger airplane to a freighter on
October 18, 2007, when it arrived at ST Aerospace's subsidiary
ST Aviation Services Company (SASCO) in Paya Lebar, Singapore. Boeing, SASCO and ANA celebrated the completion of the door cutting
ahead of the production schedule on November 18, a significant process that signifies the readiness of the aircraft for major modifications, and
they completed the conversion work for this prototype in April on schedule. On April 10, Boeing test pilots flew the airplane from Singapore
to Seattle, followed by two months of flight testing. The 50-ton-capacity freighter flew nonstop to
Seattle, completing the 14-hour, 51-minute flight at 10:13 a.m. the same day, but 15 time zones away. Boeing began its ground testing and certification program immediately thereafter.
The prototype passed its flight tests and was flown back to Singapore on May 26.
A part of Boeing's international network of modification facilities, and actively involved in performing passenger-to-freighter
(PTF) conversions for aircraft including the DC-10, MD-10BCF, MD-11BCF, 727 and 757-200 Special Freighter, ST Aerospace, through its
subsidiary SASCO, was appointed to perform the conversions under this 767-300BCF program. The conversion work involves the removal
of passenger interiors equipment and furnishings, installation of the main deck surround structure and side cargo door, replacement of the
main deck floor structures, installation of a 9-G rigid cargo barrier and a new cargo handling system, and a maximum
take-off weight upgrade as well as other systems changes.
See
other recent news regarding:
Airlines,
Aviation,
Flights,
Hotels, Promotions,
New
Hotels, ST
Aerospace, Singapore,
Boeing,
ANA,
Cargo
|
