Prototype FF5000 Scheduled To Fly In Spring 2009

Freight Feeder Aircraft Corporation, a US business 25% owned by Utilicraft Aerospace Industries, announced Monday it has entered into a Letter of Intent with British cargo carrier MK Airlines for the purchase of 10 FF5000 Freight Feeder Aircraft, with an option to purchase an additional five.

"The Freight Feeder Aircraft could play an important role in the future development of an air cargo industry that is already short of competitive and cost-effective airframe capacity," said Mike Kruger, CEO of MK Airlines. "Its use of state-of-art technology makes the FF5000 regional container aircraft an innovative option for us to select and MK Airlines is delighted to sign this agreement as the first European airline to commit to this project and to help launch the aircraft into the global market."

The LOI is a needed shot-in-the-arm for the fledgling cargo feeder aircraft, which Utilicraft has struggled to the bring the plane to market for several years. Predecessor American Utilicraft patented the design for the plane in 1991.

Utilicraft's original FF-1080 was a high-wing, twin-engine turboprop aircraft designed to carry eight fully-loaded LD3 cargo containers for a distance of 500 nautical miles. Lighter loads can be carried distances up to 2,000 nautical miles, although the aircraft is primarily intended for use in the short haul feeder role for large volume package carriers.

Earlier this year, the company announced a design change to the FF-1080, slightly widening the cargo compartment to accommodate six of the larger 96in x 125in "main deck" standard industry containers and pallets. The aircraft was then renamed the FF5000.

The main appeal of such an aircraft lies in its ability to accept a loaded cargo container off a freight operator's larger, full-sized aircraft, without the need for breaking down that container's contents. Currently, regional providers for companies such as FedEx, UPS, and DHL must unload those containers, and transfer the contents onto much smaller aircraft -- such as FedEx's C208 Cargomaster fleet, or any number of aged piston or turboprop planes -- for transport to outlying areas.

"We are very pleased with MK Airlines’ decision to enter into an LOI for FF5000 aircraft for its UK cargo airline operations, and for its commitment in helping the FF5000 come to market in the European, and global marketplace," said John J. Dupont, President and CEO of Freight Feeder Aircraft Corporation. "We are looking forward to a long-term mutually beneficial relationship with MK Airlines as one of our valuable launch customers, as we continue to develop the FF5000 and bring it into production."

Speaking of production, MK Airlines' purchase order will only become finalized upon first flight of the FF5000 Prototype currently under construction. The planned completion of the FF5000 Prototype Aircraft is in the spring of 2009.

FMI: www.mkairlines.com, www.freightfeeder.com