Cargo operator considers 747-400 conversions after abandoning A380F order
The acquisition of converted Boeing 747-400 freighters is one of several options being studied by United Parcel Service following the cargo operator's announcement that it intends to abandon its order for 10 Airbus A380 Freighters.
UPS says the 747-400 conversion programme "is something we're looking at" along with the acquisition of additional converted Boeing MD-11Fs. But the express package carrier emphasises it is looking "at all different aircraft" and has discussed the A330F, A350F, 747-8F and 777F with the manufacturers.
UPS already operates the 747, with 11 converted 747 classic freighters in its fleet, according to Flight's ACAS database. It also has eight new-build 747-400 Freighters on order for delivery from June this year. Demand for the passenger-to-freighter 747-400 conversions has grown significantly, with Boeing and Israel Aerospace Industries both offering aftermarket conversions.
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UPS already has 11 converted Boeing 747 classic freighters in its fleet |
"We've really just begun that next step of the evaluation process on long-range aircraft planning," says the airline. "We do have a lot of long-range widebody lift coming in the next few years."
The company recently ordered 27 767-300Fs for delivery between 2009 and 2012, and says that although the twinjets are not a replacement for the cancelled A380 order, they "will allow us to augment our heavy lift".
For more information about the Airbus A380, please visit our A380 page
Source: Flight International
