Marshall Aerospace, which completed the last of its ten contracted Lockheed TriStar cargo conversions in December, says that it is close to a deal to modify more aircraft.
According to Michael Milne, marketing and business development director, the Cambridge, UK-based maintenance specialist "-expects to announce a significant order for modified L-1011s" in the next few weeks.
Ten TriStars have been modified to date, including ex-British Airways -200s for American International Airways, ex-Gulf Air aircraft for International Air Leases/Arrow Air and an ex-LTU -200 (which is leased to Millon Air) for International Lease Finance. Marshall says that it is negotiating to convert options held into firm orders for modification in 1997.
The oldest TriStars are now approaching 25 years old, but Milne says that Lockheed is conducting an ageing-aircraft "review and approval" process to support an operational life of 45,000 flight cycles. "Lockheed looked for a life which should be easily achievable without additional significant work on the airframe," says Milne.
A supplemental type certificate has been awarded to Marshall for an increase in the TriStar 200F's maximum landing weight from 167,000kg to 172,520kg. The company is considering boosting maximum take-off weight by 16,344kg and maximum zero fuel weight by 6,810kg.
Source: Flight International
