Danish cargo operator Star Air is undertaking major expansion of its freighter fleet with the acquisition of 11 Boeing 767-200 converted freighters on lease from GE Capital Aviation services (GECAS).
The aircraft, converted under the Israel Aircraft Industries modification programme, will replace the airline's three 757-200 freighters to provide much-needed capacity for its long-term contract with express package carrier United Parcel Services (UPS)
Star Air, which is the cargo arm of Maersk Air, will receive the first 767 in March with deliveries concluding in May 2006. The aircraft will be operated primarily from UPS's European hub at Cologne/Bonn airport. The 767s will be converted in Porto Alegre, Brazil by the 767 conversion joint venture formed last year between IAI and Varig Engineering & Maintenance (VEM).
Meanwhile, Tampa Cargo, which was launch customer for the IAI conversion programme, has taken delivery of its second of four 767-200 freighters following its conversion in Tel Aviv. Of the two remaining aircraft, one will be modified by IAI in Israel and the other in Porto Alegre, Brazil.
Tampa Cargo is using the new 767 fleet to boost capacity and to serve new markets including the recently inaugurated flights to Santiago de Chile.
Source: Flight International
