Boeing Airplane Services (BAS) has revised the timetable for its 737 Classic cargo conversion programme. The company now expects to deliver the first 737SF (special freighter) in the first quarter of 2003, approximately a nine-month slip of the original schedule.
Although not commenting on specific reasons for the slowdown, the recent softening of the cargo market and US economy in general is believed to be the major factor. BAS still believes, however, that "we will be able to launch the programme at the end of this year". Initial work is focused on launching the 737-300SF, possibly in a quick change configuration, before developing the 737-400SF variant. "Once we can get an improvement on the conversion rate, and have certified our programme partners we will be able to look at other options," says BAS.
The initial turn-around conversion time for the 737-300SF is 60-90 days, says the company, significantly longer than the previously estimated 45-60 days stated by BAS.
Source: Flight International
