Ready for flight: Boeing, ST Aerospace and ANA celebrate first redelivery
Singapore – Boeing, Singapore Technologies Aerospace Ltd (ST Aerospace) and ANA (All Nippon Airways) celebrated the completion and certification of the first 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighter at a redelivery ceremony held in Singapore. Boeing launched the 767-300BCF passenger-to-freighter conversion program in 2005 with three firm orders and four options from ANA. Since then, ANA has exercised all the options and now has ordered seven passenger-to-freighter 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 Shinsuke Maki, ANA’s senior vice president, Engineering & Maintenance, who was present at the ceremony. „The 767 has long been the work-horse 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. We thank Boeing for their design and SASCO for their work in carrying out the conversion,“ he added.
„Boeing employees and ST Aerospace worked as true partners to complete this well-designed and expertly managed conversion,“ said Lou Mancini, vice president and general manager for Boeing Commercial Aviation Services. „We do everything possible to help customers increase the environmental and operational efficiencies throughout the entire lifespan of their airplanes.“
The ANA jet began its transformation from a passenger airplane to a freighter on Oct. 18, 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 the production schedule on Nov. 18, a significant process that signifies the readiness of the aircraft for major modifications, and they completed the conversion work for this prototype in April on schedule. On April 10, Boeing test pilots flew the airplane from Singapore to Seattle, followed by two months of flight testing. The 50-ton-capacity freighter flew nonstop to Seattle, completing the 14-hour, 51-minute flight at 10:13 a.m. the same day, but 15 time zones away. Boeing began its ground testing and certification program immediately thereafter. The prototype passed its flight tests with outstanding results and was flown back to Singapore on May 26.
„This first 767-300BCF redelivery is another demonstration of ST Aerospace’s ability to provide on-time, quality and reliable conversions,“ said Tay Kok Khiang, president of ST Aerospace. „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. We will continue to leverage our engineering capabilities to enhance customers‘ asset reliability and value.“
A part of Boeing’s international network of modification facilities, and actively involved in performing passenger-to-freighter (PTF) conversions for aircraft including the 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 program. 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, and a maximum take-off weight upgrade as well as other systems changes.
This Boeing Converted Freighter meets Boeing’s demanding standards for quality and consistency. BCF airplanes are economical to maintain and operate. This assures the highest value in the freighter market. With more than 30 years of successful PTF conversion experience, original design data and a deep understanding of the production freighters, Boeing offers something no one else can: conversion by the original equipment manufacturer.
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. Passenger-to-freighter conversion is an excellent strategy for augmenting lift or for replacing aging DC-8s, A300s, and DC-10s.
Boeing Converted Freighters are one example of Boeing’s Lifecycle Solutions, innovative solutions to improve airplane and airline operational and environmental efficiencies through the entire life of the airplane. The Boeing Company is the world’s leading aerospace company, providing products and services to customers in 145 countries. Boeing Commercial Aviation Services, a unit of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, provides products, services and integrated solutions to improve fleet utilization, reduce costs, leverage leading-edge information and ensure passenger well-being.
ST Aerospace is the aerospace arm of ST Engineering. Operating a global maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) network with facilities in the Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe, it is the world’s largest airframe MRO provider with a global customer base that includes many of the world’s leading airlines, airfreight operators and military operators. ST Aerospace provides a full spectrum of maintenance and engineering services through its two business segments: Aircraft Maintenance & Modification (AMM) and Component & Engine Total Support (CETS). Its services include airframe, engine and component maintenance, repair and overhaul; engineering design and technical services; and aviation materials and management services, including Total Aviation Support. ST Aerospace has a global-staff strength of more than 7,000 engineers and technical specialists. For more information please visit staero.aero.
Ranked among the top 10 airlines in the world carrying 50 million passengers every year to 50 destinations in Japan and 27 cities throughout Asia, Europe and the United States, ANA is recognized for outstanding passenger service both on the ground and in the air. In the greatest Japanese tradition of mixing hospitality with high technology, personalised à la carte service complements state-of-the-art entertainment systems and the latest in cabin design. ANA has been in the airline business for over 50 years, and combined with ANA Group companies its activities extend across a host of complete travel and aviation-related services. It is the launch customer of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Mitsubishi MRJ, which will complement its present fleet of over 210 aircraft, including 120 wide-bodies. As a member of Star Alliance, the world’s foremost airline alliance, ANA passengers enjoy access to a network of 965 airport destinations in 162 countries, and reciprocal benefits such as mileage accrual and redemption, and lounge access.
Photo: Boeing
