Aeronavali to convert 767-300BCFs for ANA

Boeing has signed up Aeronavali to carry out passenger-to-freighter conversion work under its 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) programme.

The US manufacturer confirms that a contract was recently signed with the Italian company for 767-300 conversion work. The agreement does not come as a surprise, as Aeronavali was already a conversion partner on the 767-200 passenger-to-freighter programme, although Singapore Technologies Aerospace had also been seen as a possible contender.

Boeing launched the 767-300BCF programme last year with a firm order from Japan's All Nippon Airways (ANA) for three conversions, plus four options. At that time, no conversion provider had been selected.

While Aeronavali has been contracted by Boeing, the manufacturer says "there is a possibility that we will add other conversion supplier partners later".

ANA will be having its own 767-300ER passenger aircraft converted into freighters under the 767-300BCF programme. Work is due to begin on the first aircraft in April and it is scheduled for redelivery in December 2007.

The Japanese carrier is currently the only customer, but Boeing says that "there is a shortage of 767-300s to convert, and we believe those airplanes will be freed up for conversion when 787s begin delivering".

• Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) and Japanese bank Mitsui & Co will launch a 50/50 joint venture early next year that will acquire 767-300s for conversion to freighters and then sell on the aircraft. IAI has already developed a conversion for the 767-200, and has been seeking customers to launch its -300 programme.

Source: Flight International