Combi Conversions

Boeing and Air France announced Friday that three 747-400 airplanes will be converted into full freighter configuration as part of the Boeing 747 Special Freighter program. The value of the agreement was not released.

"These converted airplanes will accelerate the phasing out of the 747-200 Freighters in preparation of the entry in service of the 777 Freighters," said Pierre Vellay, Air France senior vice president, new aircraft and corporate fleet planning in a statement.

The Boeing 747-400 Special Freighter conversion program started in January 2004 and so far has announced 33 firm orders and 29 options. Air France is one of seven 747-400 Special Freighter customers.

Air France is also the first planning to convert its former Combi airplanes, that currently fly in all-passenger configuration. Boeing delivered 61 747-400 Combi airplanes (747-400M) to 13 customers between 1989 and 2002.

Air France conversions will receive a strengthened main-cabin floor, a full main-deck lining and provisions for a new cargo handling system with an upgraded flight deck. The 747-400 Special Freighter has positions for 30 cargo pallets on the main deck and comparable volume to that of a new 747-400 Freighter. It is also capable of seating up to 19 people, something that can't be done on any other converted freighter.

Air France is scheduled to receive its first modified airplane in June, 2007.

FMI: www.boeing.com