Modification work has begun in Singapore on the first Boeing 767-300 passenger aircraft that will be converted into a dedicated freighter under the airframe manufacturer’s Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) programme.
Singapore Technologies Aerospace (ST Aero) was selected earlier this year by Boeing to carry out the first conversions, which are for airline launch customer All Nippon Airways (ANA), and the maintenance, repair and overhaul company says in a statement that major work has now begun with the first door cutting.
“A significant milestone in the passenger-to-freighter (PTF) programme, door cutting signifies the start of the major activity in a PTF,” says ST Aero, which will be carrying out the conversion work in Singapore.
Mr Tay Kok Khiang, President of ST Aerospace cutting the ribbon to
commemorate the completion of the door cutting for the first 767-300 BCF
“It indicates the readiness of the aircraft for the replacement of the floor structures, installation of the new door surround structures and the eventual installation of the main deck cargo door.”
ANA announced in October 2005 that it had agreed to be the launch customer for the 767-300BCF programme with an order for up to seven passenger aircraft to be modified into freighters.
The Japanese airline’s own 767-300ER passenger aircraft are to be converted under the BCF programme and the prototype aircraft is expected to be redelivered to the airline in June 2008 following flight tests and certification. ST Aero says the door cutting has begun ahead of schedule.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
