Boeing will convert three 767-300ER passenger aircraft to freighters for Guggenheim Aviation Partners, the companies announced Wednesday.
While the origin of the three jets was not announced, it is known that all are outfitted with Aviation Partners Boeing blended winglets. The project will mark the first Boeing freighter conversion of a winglet-wearing 767. Boeing says its Converted Freighter product is the only one compatible with Aviation Partners Boeing blended winglets.
Conversion of the jets will take place at ST Aviation Services Company (SASCO) in Paya Lebar, Singapore.
“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 Steve Rimmer, CEO, Guggenheim Aviation Partners.
Converting a passenger jet to a freighter is not a simple matter of removing all the seats, bins, galleys and lavatories, but involves actual structural modifications. The more major work involves reinforcing the main deck floor, adding new floor panels and pre-installing freighter tracks (the actual cargo handling system is provided by an outside vendor and installed by the buyer only after delivery). Also installed are a side cargo door and door frame. The changes enable the 767-300BCF to carry up to 24 pallets on the main deck.
According to Boeing, the wingletted 767-300BCF can carry up to 52 tonnes of cargo up to 3300 nautical miles (6115 kilometers), with a maximum takeoff weight of 412,000 pounds (187,000 kilograms). The Blended Winglets provide about 5.5 percent fuel savings on a 3000 nautical mile mission.
