Boeing and Aeronavali are hoping to launch by mid-year a joint freighter conversion programme for the 767 to compete with the programme recently launched by Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI).
ABX Air, parent of US express cargo carrier Airborne Express, and leasing giant GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) selected IAI recently over Boeing, because the manufacturer's proposal was too costly.
In response, Boeing "is working on an exercise to get that cost down", says product marketing manager of Airplane Services Conversions Sandra Nossaman.
She says Boeing will be able to lower its $11 million price tag by teaming with Alenia subsidiary Aeronavali which will carry out the work at its plants in Venice and Naples.
It is already a partner on McDonnnell DouglasDC-10/MD-11 and 757 conversions. Boeing originally proposed doing all the work on its own using its facility in Wichita, Kansas.
Having already completed the engineering work, Boeing is now in talks with several potential launch customers and has set a goal of starting modifications in the fourth quarter.
Nossaman acknowledges that to achieve this goal Boeing require commitments for at least 10 aircraft in place by mid-year, the minimum she says is necessary for a launch.
Possible launch customers include Atlas Air, BAX Global subsidiary Air Transport International and some South American carriers.
Source: Flight International
