Embraer and Fairchild Dornier are ready to launch convertible passenger/freighter versions of their new large regional jets - providing they can find a customer. Both manufacturers have studied what would be the first regional-jet convertibles, but they are unsure if there are enough customers to sustain a programme. "It is a very small market," says Fairchild Dornier vice president of marketing Alan Stiley. Fairchild Dornier has completed an initial feasibility study for a convertible or quick-change (QC) version of its 928, and has shown a mock-up to a few interested customers. Meanwhile, Embraer has studied a 170QC and 195QC at the request of the same customers. "It's strictly under study," says Embraer vice president of marketing and sales Mark Hale.
Stiley and Hale say they are not prepared to take the projects further without a firm order. But considering one of their main targets, Aloha Airlines, has put on hold the evaluation of possible replacements for its 737-200QCs, imminent orders appear unlikely. Aloha, which turns five of its 18 Boeing 737-200s into freighters each weeknight, was looking at the 195 and 928 and other aircraft of similar size before it unveiled plans in December to merge with rival Hawaiian Airlines. If the deal goes through, the merged company, TurnWorks, could order new aircraft. But they are likely to be compatible with the carriers' current fleet, such as Hawaiian's Boeing 717s, rather than new types. TurnWorks chief executive Greg Brenneman says, however, that the merged company will probably keep its Boeing 737-200QC freighters, rather than order new convertible aircraft.
Operators of 737-200QCs or McDonnell Douglas DC-9QCs are the most likely candidates for the 195QC and 928QC. But Stiley acknowledges such operators are mostly small "niche" carriers with bases in remote or undeveloped locations. The convertible regional jets are mainly competing with the newly certificated 737-700QC. Boeing has sold examples to the US Navy and Middle Eastern oil company Saudi Aramco. But airlines such as 737-200QC operator Alaska Airlines have baulked at the cost of the -700QC.
The 195QC and 928QC could also prove too expensive for carriers, which would have to use the proposed regional jets much more than their current convertibles to justify the investment. "The economics don't work for a new aircraft of this type," says Stiley. A BAe 146QC could be a cheaper option, and BAE Systems may offer a freighter and convertible conversion for the aircraft.
Some carriers may be better off acquiring large turboprops. ATR and Aernovali have combined to offer a large cargo door for the ATR 42 and are looking for customers to launch a similar programme for the ATR 72. Saab, meanwhile, has launched a conversion programme for its 340.
Bombardier is about the only regional jet manufacturer not competing in the cargo market. Director of asset management Rod Sheridan says the company is not considering QC versions of its CRJ700 and CRJ900 because their "cross-section won't hold standard containers". In contrast, the new regional jets from Embraer and Fairchild Dornier are wide enough to carry standard freight pallets in an all-cargo configuration.
Source: Flight International
