Fedex N313FE arrives in Shannon after MD10 conversion.
N313FE arrived in Shannon this afternoon following its conversion to MD10 by Aeronavali in Venice. The MD10 program which is essentially an avionics retrofit which reproduces the MD11 glass cockpit in the DC10 was offered by Boeing to operators of the 413 DC10 aircraft built by McDonnell Douglas. Fedex was the launch customer for the program agreeing to 70 aircraft with options on 50. Among the benefits of the MD10 conversion are a reduction in crew from three to two, a weight saving of 454kg and a reduction in the number of LRUs (Line Replaceable Units) or "boxes" used to build the avionics system on the aircraft. In recent years Fedex have trickled aircraft to Venice for conversion with most stopping in Shannon on both the eastbound and westbound legs. Fedex have also been involved in Project Orbis, the Flying Eye hospital. In December a DC10 donated by Fedex and United airlines will be flown to Venice for conversion to MD10 standard following which the hospital interior will be installed. As a result, Project Orbis' needs will be met for a further 20 years. Further details of the new Orbis aircraft can be found at : Orbis