Boeing has announced the conversion of three commercial planes into freighters, in an agreement with aviation asset management firm Guggenheim Aviation Partners.
Three Boeing 767-300ER aircraft will be re-engineered to serve the use of long distance freight, with an aim to complete the conversion in 2013. This will be the first time a 767 model from Boeing will be re-engineered to a freight aircraft, or Boeing Converted Freighters to use their official name.
“We believe the 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighter, with performance characteristics similar to a 767 production freighter, provides a flexible, economic and attractive option for the medium haul freighter market and we look forward to delivering this to our clients in 2013,” said CEO of Guggenheim, Steve Rimmer, in a statement.
The modifications that will be made include the addition of a side cargo door, reinforcing the floors of the aircraft as well as the wall and ceiling liners of the interior. The modifications will all be necessary for the safe conversion of a commercial plane for heavy freight transport.
Boeing will carry out the conversion of the aircraft in Paya Lebar in Singapore at the ST Aviation Services Co., a subsidiary of ST Aerospace.
