Singapore Technologies Aerospace Ltd (ST Aerospace), The Boeing Company (Boeing) and All Nippon Airways (ANA) celebrated the completion and certification of the first-ever 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) in Singapore recently.
Boeing launched the 767-300BCF passenger-to-freighter (PTF) conversion programme in 2005 with three firm orders and four options from ANA. Since then, ANA has exercised all the options, and now has ordered seven PTF conversions in all.
“We are delighted to take delivery of the first 767-300BCF. It will be a key aircraft in the expansion of our cargo operation and express delivery services to countries neighbouring Japan,” said ANA’s senior VP Engineering & Maintenance, Shinsuke Maki .
The freighter will be operated by the express operation All Express Corp., which will soon begin operations under the brand Allex, a joint venture of ANA, Kintetsu World Express and Nippon Express.
“The 767 has long been the workhorse of the ANA passenger fleet; it is very gratifying to see an old friend work beyond retirement, and in doing so contribute to the environment in terms of saving and reusing resources,” Maki added.
The ANA aircraft began its transformation from a passenger aircraft to a freighter on 18 October 2007, when it arrived at ST Aerospace’s subsidiary ST Aviation Services Company (SASCO) in Paya Lebar, Singapore.
Boeing, SASCO and ANA celebrated the completion of the door cutting ahead of production schedule on 18 November, a significant process that signifies the readiness of the aircraft for major modifications, and completed the conversion work for this prototype in April on schedule.
On 10 April, Boeing test pilots flew the 45-tonne-capacity freighter non-stop from Singapore to Seattle, followed by two months of flight testing. Boeing began its ground testing and certification programme immediately there after with the prototype passing its flight tests before being fl own back to Singapore on 26 May.
“This first 767-300BCF redelivery is another demonstration of ST Aerospace’s ability to provide on-time, high quality and reliable conversions,” said ST Aerospace President Tay Kok Khiang.
“We are honored by Boeing’s and ANA’s trust in us, and are pleased to work with our long time partners to, once again, deliver a quality product that meets their expectations,” he added. A part of Boeing’s international network of modification facilities, and actively involved in performing PTF conversions for aircraft including DC- 10, MD-10BCF, MD-11BCF, 727 and 757-200 Special Freighter, ST Aerospace through its subsidiary SASCO, was appointed to perform the conversions under this 767-300BCF programme. Aeronavali of Italy also has been chosen by Boeing to perform 767-300 passenger-to-freighter conversions.
The conversion work involves the removal of passenger interiors equipment and furnishings, installation of the main deck surround structure and side cargo door, replacement of the main deck floor structures, installation of a 9-G rigid cargo barrier and a new cargo handling system, maximum take-off weight upgrade, as well as other systems changes.
With up to 54 tonnes of lift, high dispatch reliability, superior performance, low noise, and thrifty fuel consumption, the 767-300 is a valuable member of any freighter fleet. PTF conversion is an excellent strategy for augmenting lift or for replacing aging DC-8s, A300s, and DC-10s.
