Paul Lewis/WASHINGTON DC
Atlas Air is considering becoming the launch customer for the long-awaited747-400 freighter conversion programme, possibly as a joint venture with Boeing.
Boeing says its has "designated a team to develop the 747-400 freighter conversion design". Preliminary design and stress analysis work is under way using company funds. Support from a potential customer would "expedite this", adds a company executive.
Atlas is looking to expand its fleet of 37 747s as well as acquiring a number of smaller twinjet freighters in the form of 767s or Airbus A300s. The carrier holds options on eight 747-400s and was known to have been discussing the purchase of up to 20 new large freighters (Flight International, 17-23 October). Boeing is only offering new-build 747-400Fs, but market fragmentation and the move towards smaller long-range 777 and Airbus A340s is freeing up -400 passenger jets for conversion. "We're looking at the possibility of doing a conversion programme and talking to Boeing about a joint venture, confirms Atlas' new chief executive Richard Shuyler.
Boeing states that it "has been discussing the possibility of passenger-to-freighter conversions with a number of carriers, including Atlas," but it was not prepared to give a timetable for a launch.
It is not known which, if any, in-service 747-400s have been identified by Atlas for conversion although aircraft from the British Airways fleet are seen as likely candidates. The airline is seeking to dispose of up to 12 of its Rolls-Royce RB211-powered -400s.
Boeing last year initiated a 747-300 freighter conversion programme supplying three ex-Varig and Sabena aircraft to Atlas. This includes changes that would be common to the -400, including upper-deck modifications to improve overhead clearance on the main deck.
It is envisaged that the 747-400 would offer the same internal cargo volume as the -300, with extended range.
Source: Flight International
