Commercial Planes To Get New Life As Cargo Haulers

Boeing and Air China Cargo announced this week the carrier will add three 747-400 Boeing Converted Freighters (BCF) to its cargo fleet. The modification work on the three Combi airplanes will take place at Taikoo Aircraft Engineering (TAECO) in Xiamen, China.

The aircraft previously were operated by Air China.

"We look forward to our Boeing 747-400BCFs being of the same high quality as the factory-built freighters we operate," said Air China Cargo President Yao Jun. "Since Boeing is responsible for the modification, we know that these airplanes will receive the superior customer support that we have come to expect from Boeing."

Air China Cargo currently operates eight freighters, including three 747-400 Freighters delivered new in 2005, 2006 and 2008, as well as two other 747-400 Freighters on lease and three 747-200 Freighters.

"The 747-400 Boeing Converted Freighter provides an economical solution for Air China Cargo to profitably grow its business," said Dan da Silva, vice president of Sales for Boeing Commercial Aviation Services. "Air China Cargo recognizes, as does the world, the superior reliability, efficiency and value of the 747-400 Boeing Converted Freighter."

Modifications include a side cargo door addition, a strengthened main-deck floor, full main-deck lining installation, provisions for a new cargo handling system and complete revisions to the airplane systems. The 747-400BCF has positions for 30 pallets on the main deck - volume which is comparable to the 747-400 production freighter.

Boeing says over 300 747 Freighters are operating today, providing about half the world's dedicated-freighter capacity. Air China Cargo, which was formed in late 2003, provides cargo services to 36 cities in 27 countries around the world.

FMI: www.boeing.com, www.airchina.com.cn