Flight International Online news 09:00GMT: Boeing today confirmed that Evergreen International Airlines will operate the manufacturer’s 747 large cargo freighter (LCF) fleet, which will be used to transport major assemblies for the 787.
As confirmed in early November, Luxembourg-based Cargolux is also included in the contract. Cargolux will transport parts from Europe to the USA, while Evergreen, which has overall authority for the LCF fleet, will operate flights from Japan.
Evergreen has also subcontracted US company Sojitz to coordinate logistics and other services for the Japanese routes. “Sojitz will establish an overall plan for receiving and transporting 787 components from Boeing’s Japanese partners, and will be the interface between Centrair [Central Japan international] and Nagoya airports,” says Boeing in a statement.
Boeing VP for 787 production Scott Strode adds: “Evergreen International Airlines is an expert in its field, with nearly a half million hours of 747 experience. We have complete confidence that [Evergreen] - in partnership with Cargolux and Sojitz - will meet the aggressive schedule required to transport [787] components around the world.”
Evergreen will manage a fleet of three LCFs, which will be used as the primary transport for major 787 parts to Boeing’s Everett, Washington final assembly site.
“We thrive on the challenge of transporting unusual cargo,” says Evergreen president Brian Bauer. “Operating these amazing airplanes for Boeing is a unique opportunity and we’re proud to play a role in the development of the 787.”
The three 747s are being modified at Evergreen Aviation Technologies, a joint venture between EVA Air and General Electric based in Taiwan’s capital Taipei. Modification of the first aircraft began in June “and is progressing well”, says Boeing.
So far the upper fuselage and interior structure have been completely removed and installation of an enlarged upper fuselage began earlier this month.
The second aircraft was inducted for modification in October, says Boeing.
The manufacturer adds that the first flight is scheduled for mid-2006 followed by flight test and certification. The first LCFs will enter service in 2007.
DARREN SHANNON / WASHINGTON DC
Source: Flight International
