The market for Boeing 757 passenger to freighter (PTF) conversions is growing rapidly, with two more offerings set to enter the fray over the next year as test flying of a third gets under way.
Boeing expects to relaunch its 757-200SF programme this year, with conversions being carried out by Israel Aircraft Industries (which is a competitor in the 767 PTF modification market) and Singapore Technologies Aerospace’s Mobile, Alabama centre. “We’re aiming for a year-end launch and entry into service during 2007,” said Boeing vice-president freighter conversions, Mike Stewart, at the Cargo Facts 2005 conference in Seattle.
This conversion will be based on the previous modification developed in the late 1990s for the conversion of ex-British Airways 757-200s for DHL, but a new supplemental type certificate (STC) is being developed jointly by IAI and ST Aero. Boeing will not undertake any of the work itself, with modifications being carried out under a licence agreement by the third parties, who will also liaise directly with the customers.
Another 757 PTF conversion is expected to be launched next year by Miami-based Aeronautical Engineers (AEI), which has already developed conversions for the 727 and 737 families. “We’ll probably acquire an airframe for conversion and begin work in the third quarter of next year,” says AEI vice-president operations, David McDonald.
Meanwhile, Canada’s Cascade Aerospace has just completed the first Alcoa-SIE 757-200 PTF modification, and is preparing to fly the aircraft. “We’ve modified a Babcock & Brown-owned aircraft as our prototype conversion, which is about ready to be flown,” says Cascade’s vice-president technical operations, Brent Burnside. He adds that he expects the STC to be awarded soon.
Source: Flight International
