Martinair Cargo Will Operate Converted Freighter

Aero-News learned Friday Boeing recently delivered a completed 747-400 Boeing Converted Freighter to Guggenheim Aviation Partners. Guggenheim Aviation Partners leased the freighter to Martinair Cargo, which is operating the airplane on routes to and from the Middle East, the Far East and Australia.

Guggenheim and Martinair Cargo have lease agreements on a further three 747-400BCFs, which will be converted and delivered in 2007 and 2008. Martinair is replacing its older 747-200s with the newly converted 747-400BCFs.

This is the seventh 747-400 Boeing Converted Freighter that has been delivered through Boeing to cargo operators.

As Aero-News reported, Boeing first announced the 747-400BCF conversion to customers in October 2003. The program was then called the 747-400 Special Freighter, later renamed the 747-400 Boeing Converted Freighter to signify a passenger-to-freighter conversion that takes advantage of Boeing's technical expertise, program management skills, certification experience and aftermarket support.

To become a BCF, a modification crew removes a large section of the aft left fuselage of a former passenger 747-400, and later installs a main-deck cargo door in the opening. Fuselage frames are replaced and strengthened, and the airplane's floor beams are replaced to receive a cargo-handling system. Airplane systems and flight deck components are also upgraded, or replaced.

FMI: www.boeing.com, www.martinairusa.com/en