New life is being breathed into the Fokker 50 with the launch of a new service by Aircraft Conversions (W607B). The Dutch company can extend an aircraft’s lifespan by installing cargo doors, which convert the passenger aircraft into a freight carrier.
The company says that the Fokker 50 Prop Jet is the perfect candidate for freight conversion, to replace ageing Fokker F27 Cargo and other variants currently being used.
The converted aircraft compares favourably with modern turbo propeller aircraft with twice the range of the Fokker F27 and a typical payload of 12,000 lbs (5,443 kg). Bulk payloads of up to 17,000 lbs (7,700 kg) can also be accommodated.
Aircraft Conversions is headquartered at Schiphol airport and has a facility in the US. The eight-week conversion can be done either at the company site or the freight doors and technicians can travel to carry out the work.
The company is in the final stage of gaining FAA and EASA certification on the first two Fokker 50s converted to cargo capability.
The forward large door of the Fokker 50 Freighter is 70 x 90.5 inches, opening to 110 degrees or 170 degree positions to enable loaders to back right up to the fuselage, allowing both containers and pallets to be easily loaded.
Source: Flight Daily News
