Carrier reconsiders 747-400BCF options and studies new Airbus and Boeing aircraft
Korean Air’s (KAL) cargo division is evaluating the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747-8 freighter as an alternative to acquiring more 747-400 Boeing Converted Freighters (BCF).
KAL sources say the carrier has launched a study into A380, 747-400BCF and 747-8 cost efficiencies. KAL operates 16 747-400Fs and has five 747-400BCFs on order.
KAL unveiled plans in 2004 to convert 19 of its 747-400s at its aerospace division, including nine for its cargo unit and 10 for other carriers, and to convert one 747-400 at Taikoo (Xiamen) Aircraft Engineering (TAECO) (Flight International, 29 June–5 July 2004). KAL says only five of these 20 are firm commitments and has yet to decide whether to acquire more than four conversion kits from Boeing.
KAL says it plans to take delivery of its first 747-400BCF, which will be converted at TAECO, in August. KAL Aerospace plans to launch its own conversion line at the beginning of July and complete the first aircraft at the end of this year. KAL says the 747-400BCF will be used initially to replace its two 747-200Fs and one 747-300SF, which will be retired later this year.
The cargo unit requires aircraft for growth, but KAL declines to comment if aircraft other than the 747-400BCF are under consideration. Sources say the A380 freighter and 747-8 are being evaluated. KAL has an outstanding order for five A380 passenger aircraft.
The 747-8 was launched last November with orders from Japan’s Nippon Cargo Airlines (NCA) and Cargolux. NCA originally ordered four 747-400BCFs, but cancelled as part of its order for eight 747-8s.
The 747-400BCF was launched by Cathay Pacific Airways, which received the first of six aircraft from TAECO in December.
BRENDAN SOBIE / SINGAPORE
Source: Flight International
