Aeronautical Engineers has restarted its Boeing 727 cargo conversion line after a six-year hiatus, having been selected by an undisclosed customer to modify a 727-200 as a 12-pallet freighter.
AEI says the aircraft, manufactured in 1981, is undergoing the process at the MRO shop of its Miami-based sister company Commercial Jet.
Vice-president for sales and marketing Robert Convey says it marks the first 727 conversion by AEI since 2005. But Convey does not expect the newly awarded 727 contract to be a one-off as there is still some demand for additional 727 conversions.
"The 727-200SF freighter continues to attract attention from operators around the world who are looking for a proven workhorse," Convey says. "We continue to receive inquiries for our 12-pallet 727-200SF and expect to convert up to three 727-200SF aircraft in 2011."
Source: Flight International