BAE Systems expects to finalise plans by the end of this year to relaunch the cargo conversion programme for the BAe 146 as it also prepares a freighter modification effort for the J41 turboprop.
“A bid process is under way with various conversion sites about undertaking 146 conversions using the existing BAE-owned STC [supplemental type certificate] and we’ve got a shortlist of two or three centres,” BAE Regional Aircraft director sales Nigel Benson told Cargo Facts 2005 conference delegates in Seattle last week.
“We’ve been pleased with some of the proposals and hope to make a decision to launch by year-end,” he added.
Meanwhile, Benson says that the 30-seat J41 would make “a good freighter in the 3.5t payload class from a speed and economics point of view”.
With aircraft beginning to return off lease from airline operators, Benson said that BAE is preparing to launch a freight conversion that would use the J41’s existing large rear baggage door but require the installation of an E-Class cargo compartment.
Source: Flight International
