Also Upgrades Trijet Flight Decks

Boeing says it is helping Aeroflot-Cargo improve its operational efficiency and adapt to growing cargo market demands, by converting two MD-11 passenger airplanes into freighters and updating their flight deck features and cargo-handling system so that they are consistent across Aeroflot-Cargo's fleet.

"These aircraft represent a very substantial investment. By putting them in the hands of the original manufacturer for conversion, we can extend the life of the aircraft and maximize their capabilities," said Aeroflot-Cargo General Director Andrey Goryashko. "The Boeing Converted Freighter program gives us the confidence and support that we expect with a new airplane while allowing us to make the most of the fleet we already have."

A converted MD-11 has a capacity of 205,400-pounds structural payload at a range of 3,486 nautical miles, and is capable of 630,500-pounds maximum takeoff weight. The main and lower deck cargo compartments hold a total of 36 96-by-125-inch pallets or containers.

"This conversion program allows Aeroflot Cargo to streamline and modernize its operational systems across its freighter fleet," said Daniel da Silva, vice president for Sales and Marketing, Boeing Commercial Aviation Services.

Aeroflot-Cargo currently operates four DC-10 Freighters. In addition to these two MD-11s, Aeroflot-Cargo has committed to lease three more MD-11 Boeing Converted Freighters from the Boeing Capital Corporation within the 2007-2008 timeframe.

Modification work will begin in November 2008. Boeing Commercial Aviation Services will provide detailed engineering design work and oversight of the Aeroflot-Cargo conversions, with SASCO, a subsidiary of Singapore Technologies Aerospace, providing touch labor on the airplanes.

In total, Boeing has converted more than 100 MD-11 passenger airplanes to freighters.

FMI: www.boeing.com, www.aeroflot.com