BRENDAN SOBIE / SINGAPORE
Specialists vie for work to convert up to 50 aircraft
Boeing 737-300/400 cargo conversion suppliers are responding to a request for proposals (RFP) from FedEx Express for 25 aircraft plus 25 options.
FedEx has asked Taiwan's Inter-Continental Aviation Services (ICAS), Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) and Pemco Aviation Group to price their 737 conversion products. The RFP suggests FedEx has selected the 737-300/400 over the Boeing 757-200 as the replacement for its fleet of over 100 Boeing 727-100/200s (Flight International, 15-21 July 2003). But sources say FedEx is still looking at a cargo version of the 737-900/900X for its long-term needs.
They add that proposals include conversions at several sites. ICAS is proposing converting aircraft at Taiwanese maintenance and repair organisation Air Asia; IAI at its own facility in Israel or at Garuda Maintenance Facility AeroAsia in Indonesia; and Pemco at its own facility in Alabama or at new partner Malaysia Airlines.
FedEx may also pursue its own supplemental type certificate (STC) rather than using the STC already held by IAI or Pemco, or the new STC ICAS plans to apply for next year with assistance from partners Boeing and Flight Structures. FedEx is looking at a variety of sources for the aircraft, including leasing.
FedEx is expected to replace its 727 fleet quickly to avoid forthcoming airworthiness directives and maintenance overhauls. Sources say FedEx's 737-300/400 purchase could be much larger than 50 aircraft and be spread across several conversion centres.
ICAS, IAI and Pemco declined to comment, citing non-disclosure agreements with FedEx.
Source: Flight International
