Aeronavali has redelivered its second Boeing MD-11 to Boeing following its conversion to a freighter. The ex-American Airlines trijet is one of eleven MD-11s that the Alenia division is converting for Boeing Airplane Services on behalf of FedEx. Aeroflot has taken delivery of its first Tupolev Tu-154M equipped with a refurbished interior and a new passenger cabin layout. The work was completed by Moscow-Sheremetyevo-based AKKO, a breakaway Aeroflot maintenance centre. The airline plans to modernise 15 Tu-154Ms into a two-class layout (24 business and 102 economy) to provide similar standards for transit passengers heading for Russian destinations other than Moscow, who change at Sheremetyevo from Aeroflot's Boeing and Airbus types operating international routes. The aircraft will also serve as back-up for Boeing 737s on Aeroflot's European routes. The refurbishment is due to be completed by the second quarter of 2001. AirTran Airways has signed an agreement with Miami-based Avborne Heavy Maintenance covering its growing fleet of Boeing 717s. The first 717 "C" check is being performed at Avborne's Miami International Airport facility.
Source: Flight International
