Taiwan carrier could switch its order from -200LR passenger version as launch of cargo derivative of twinjet nears
EVA Air has emerged as the leading candidate to launch Boeing's planned freighter derivative of the 777-200LR, which is set to get a formal go-ahead before the end of the year.
The Taiwanese carrier - one of two customers for the passenger version of the -200LR with three aircraft on order - says it has the option to convert its order to the freighter variant.
Although the airline says it currently has no plans for a switch, it adds that "we did express our very strong interest in the 777-200LR Freighter to Boeing last month. Boeing fully understands EVA Air's requirements."
Rob Fayé, regional director for product marketing at Boeing Commercial Airplanes, says the company is "weeks" away from officially offering the cargo derivative, which has long been under study. He adds that price is the only detail yet to be specified, before the -200LRF is unveiled. "It's officially 'under study', but in the near future we expect to get the green light, and we're talking to several customers, including some Asian carriers," he says.
Fayé adds that engineering design work has been finalised, and the aircraft has a 2009 entry into service target.
Lufthansa Cargo has repeatedly stated its interest in a 777 freighter version, and Fayé confirms that it has discussed the aircraft with the German carrier. Emirates has also previously expressed its interest in such an aircraft to feed its Airbus A380-800 Freighters, which enter service in 2008.
The -200LRF will incorporate a 3.01 x 3.58m (120 x 141in) main deck cargo door, strengthened wingbox and cargo floor support. The aircraft will be able to carry its maximum payload of 101t (222,000lb) over a distance of 9,620km (5,200nm).
Boeing is aiming the new freighter at operators of 747-400Fs, as a "complement". The 777-200LRF has a a similar cargo density to its larger brother, at 160g/litre (9.9lb/ft3), which is around 10% greater than on the A380-800F. Boeing says it has no plans to convert older 777s into freighters, despite the fact that the oldest aircraft are approaching a decade in service.
Meanwhile, General Electric confirms that Boeing is studying a "slight thrust bump" that would push the rating of the GE90-110B on the 777-200LR above the currently planned 110,000lb (489kN) rating. Fayé says the "modest increase" would be to meet performance goals for operators in hot and high conditions, where Boeing has interested customers.
JUSTIN WASTNAGE / SEATTLE & NICHOLAS IONIDES / SINGAPORE
Source: Flight International
