Paul Lewis/WASHINGTON DC
Lockheed Martin Aircraft and Logistics Centre (LMALC) plans to establish a dedicated L-1011 TriStar freighter conversion facility as part of a wider collaborative effort involving suppliers and operators, to give ageing TriStars a second lease of life.
An undisclosed leasing company has been secured as launch customer for the first 10 freighters, says LMALC planning vice-president Dr Ahmed Metwalli. The aircraft will be modified at the company's former Donaldson air base facility, where there is room for up to two conversion lines.
Depending on demand, it might also make use of the existing L-1011 freighter conversion capability of UK company Marshall Aerospace. Cambridge-based Marshall has "tentatively agreed" to allow LMALC to use its TriStar 200 supplemental type certificate, and "will remain the design authority and provide engineering resources if adaptive engineering is needed", says Metwalli. Marshall's marketing director, Mick Milne, says the company could take on some conversion work.
Marshall has converted 10 TriStar 200 freighters used by Arrow Air, Fine Air and Kitty Hawk, as well as nine -500 transport/tanker conversions for the Royal Air Force. "Until now, conversions have been done in ones and twos. We want to ensure there is an ongoing line," adds Metwalli, who sees a market for between 50 and 60 conversions.
According to LMALC figures, 103 TriStars are in active service, while 89 are parked. Delta Air Lines, a member of the newly formed TriStar Alliance, operates the largest single number of TriStars.
Saudi Arabian Airlines, which participated in the second TriStar Alliance stakeholder conference, parked all its 17 TriStar 200s last year and is offering them for sale. It is also believed to be in serious discussions with one potential operator to convert six to eight aircraft to freighters. LMALC has also held talks to place more aircraft with the USAF's Civil Reserve Air Fleet.
Source: Flight International