British Aerospace Aviation Services set out just over two years ago to produce a realistically priced passenger to freighter conversion for the Airbus A300B4. In 1997 its plans became reality as the first three freighters left for customers.
Last year's first milestone came in June as the conversion won approval from the Federal Aviation Administration. The success of the certification effort was underlined by the FAA's statement that the BAe conversion would set "the benchmark of future aircraft conversion engineering standards".
BAe was not only the first to receive FAA supplemental type certification for the A300B4, but by the end of 1997 had gone ahead with the first ever deliver to launch-customer Channel Express. Two others were also delivered to New York finance company C-S Aviation Services for lease to the UK's HeavyLift Cargo Airlines and ACS Air Cargo in Miami, Florida.
BAe has now received 22 firm orders and 13 options for the conversion from the two customers. The contracts, including heavy maintenance checks, are together worth some $250 million.
The Awards judges praised the UKcompany for delivering a well engineered conversion and well managed certification programme, which has revived the market for the A300B4.
Source: Flight International
