Boeing expects to complete design work on the 767-300BCF passenger-to-freighter conversion by year-end and says a joint venture partner is likely to be signed “within the next few weeks, and certainly by July”.
The first 767-300BCF conversion, launched last year with an order by All Nippon Airways, is due to be inducted for modification in the first quarter of next year and redelivered by year-end. Boeing adds that an Aviation Partners Boeing-developed blended winglet is also being studied for the overall package, which offers a 52,700kg (116,000lb) revenue payload capability over a range, with max payload, of 5,840km (3,150nm).
Boeing declines to be drawn on which company will be selected for the -300BCF venture, although Aeronavali of Italy remains a leading contender given its strong links with the production aircraft, as well as with the 767-200SF modification.
The company is also ramping up its Taikoo (Xiamen) Aircraft Engineering (TAECO) based 747-400BCF conversion programme, which sees additional work starting later this year on the first kit conversions by Korean Air and Singapore-based ST Aero (SASCO). Four 747-400BCFs are currently “in flow” at TAECO, one of which is due for delivery to Japan Airlines in June. The first converted aircraft is in service with launch customer Cathay Pacific, and the company says it is on target to deliver eight conversions this year.
Boeing 747-400BCF director Marco Cavazzoni says the first South Korean and Singapore kit conversions will be redelivered in 2007, and that work on the first -400C Combi is under way, “which is due to enter service with Air France in 2007”.
Overall, Boeing has 65 firm and option 747-400BCF conversions and modification kits on order from seven customers.
Source: Flight International
