Oregon-Based Company Will Operate, Maintain 747-400LCFs

Evergreen International Airlines (EIA) -- subsidiary of Evergreen International Aviation -- tells ANN the company received its FAA New Aircraft Process Document (NAPD) August 9. The modification of the Airlines' operational specifications allows EIA to acquire full operational control of the Dreamlifter -- a modified Boeing 747 Large Cargo Freighter -- as well as other 747-400 aircraft.

The documentation process included a review and revision of EIA’s manuals, operation systems, maintenance programs and airline administration to meet the FAA’s 747-400 standards.  It also included the completion of Route Proving flights, operating under the revised procedures with FAA oversight.

"This is an exciting time for Evergreen," stated Brian Bauer, EIA President. "With certification completion, the full implementation of the Dreamlifter program and addition of the 747-400BCFs, we have a solid platform for the future."

Evergreen also told ANN of a new order and scheduled delivery of three B747-400BCFs, with first delivery in early summer 2009. The aircraft will be an upgrade for EIA's current commercial operations. The BCF is a 747-400 aircraft modified by Boeing into a full cargo aircraft.

The 747-400 certification and acquisitions should provide EIA with many new opportunities. Technological advances and other factors make the 747-400s a much more economical aircraft to operate and maintain.

Evergreen says it will continue upgrading the operations of the Airline by beginning the certification process for the FAA’s Air Transportation Oversight System (ATOS). The NAPD process Evergreen on the path to gaining this additional certification.

As ANN reported, Evergreen International Aviation was selected in December 2005 to operate and maintain the Boeing Dreamlifter. The specially modified plane is used to transport major components of the upcoming Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Evergreen has been selected as the Prime Contractor to operate, maintain and support these aircraft. Contract life is 20-25 years -- the projected life of the 787 program).

FMI: www.evergreenaviation.com