BRENDAN SOBIE / WASHINGTON DC AND MAX KINGSLEY-JONES / LONDON
However, Boeing does not plan to start its own passenger-to-freighter modifications on the aircraft until 2005
After going head-to-head with Boeing on cargo conversion programmes for the 737 Classic and 767, Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) is now studying the launch of its own modification for the 747-400.
In 1990, the Bedek division of IAI developed and certificated a side cargo-door conversion for the 747-100/200 for which it holds its own supplemental type certificate. The firm says it is now looking at offering a conversion for the -400. "At this point we are exploring the 747-400 by ourselves," says IAI.
Boeing has been studying an in-house conversion programme for the latest 747 model for several years, and, according to Sandra Nossaman, marketing manager of the manufacturer's Airplane Services Conversions division, it is now in preliminary design. She says that the timetable as it stands does not envisage deliveries starting until 2005 given current residual values. IAI says it has a similar timeframe in mind for its-400F programme.
Some observers believe Boeing is delaying the launch of a 747-400 conversion to protect sales of new 747-400F freighters, which now make up a significant proportion of production. With a number of 747-400 passenger aircraft being parked or offered for sale following 11 September, analysts believe the market for a conversion programme may emerge earlier than the manufacturer wants.
While the production -400F has the smaller upper-deck cabin of the 747-100/200, the stretched upper deck (SUD) cabin floor of the passenger model requires modification for freighter conversion to provide full pallet height on the main deck. Boeing has already developed and certificated a conversion for the SUD-equipped 747-300.
Nossaman says Boeing is not about to do the 747-400 without a partner, and says the company has reversed its strategy of carrying out a conversion programme on its own. "Our programmes are undergoing evaluation now," she says, acknowledging Boeing cannot offer a competitive product unless the conversions are performed by a lower cost overseas partner.
Source: Flight International
