Former Passenger Airplane Enters Service As Freighter December
21
Cathay Pacific Airways is certainly getting its money's worth
out of one of its 747-400s, as the airline -- along with Boeing --
has announced completion and certification of the first 747-400
Boeing Converted Freighter at a redelivery ceremony held in Xiamen,
People’s Republic of China, Dec. 19.
Cathay Pacific launched the Boeing passenger-to-freighter
conversion program in January 2004 and has ordered six firm
conversions, and options for six more. The prototype aircraft,
which will enter service on Wednesday, is a former passenger hauler
for the airline.
"Cathay Pacific has an impressive record of being the first
airline to operate new aircraft types," said Derek Cridland, Cathay
Pacific Engineering director. "We were the world’s first
airline to fly the Boeing 777-300 and the Rolls Royce-powered
Boeing 747-400, the type from which this new freighter has been
converted. Our involvement in its certification underscores Hong
Kong’s position as a center of global aviation
excellence.
"The addition of further 747-400BCF aircraft to our fleet will
allow us to expand our services," added Cridland, "and further
strengthen Hong Kong as the world’s busiest international air
cargo hub."
The Cathay Pacific jet
began its transformation from a passenger airplane to a freighter
in April 2005, when it arrived at Taikoo (Xiamen) Aircraft
Engineering Co., Ltd. (TAECO) in Xiamen, China. TAECO completed the
hands-on modification work for the prototype in September, and
Boeing began its ground testing and certification program
immediately following.
In October, Boeing test pilots flew the airplane from Xiamen to
Hong Kong and conducted two months of flight testing. That's
noteworthy, the aerospace manufacturer told ANN, because it is the
first time Boeing has completed a major flight-test program outside
the United States, and first time the Company has certified a
modified airplane to the new U.S. Federal Aviation Authority
Changed Product rule.
"Our Boeing team is thrilled to deliver the first 747-400BCF to
Cathay Pacific," said Lou Mancini, vice president and general
manager for Boeing Commercial Aviation Services. "I am proud of our
Boeing employees who worked in partnership with TAECO to complete
this well-designed and expertly managed conversion."