Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Korean Air today said that the airline exercised options for two Boeing 747-400 freighter kits from its order announced in 2004 to convert up to 20 747-400 passenger airplanes into freighters as part of the Boeing Converted Freighter program.
SEATTLE – Boeing began the physical conversion work on Korean Air’s first airplane in April at Taikoo (Xiamen) Aircraft Engineering (TAECO) in Xiamen, China.
Korean Air plans to convert a combination of its own and other airlines‘ 747-400 passenger airplanes to freighters using Boeing’s kits — including service bulletin, parts and on-site support. Korean Air will use its Aerospace Division facility in Gimhae, South Korea, to perform the hands-on labor and redeliver the aircraft.
„These conversions represent a continuing commitment from Korean Air to the efficiency and value of Boeing Converted Freighters,“ said Hang-Jin Cho, senior vice-president of Purchasing, Facilities and Environment at Korean Air. „We’re pleased to have our highly trained Korean Air personnel transition these 747-400 passenger jets into freighters at our aerospace facilities.“
„Boeing is pleased to have the solution to help Korean Air both expand its air-freight capabilities and at the same time gain entry to the market for converting passenger 747-400s into freighters,“ said Dan da Silva, vice president of Sales and Marketing for Boeing Commercial Aviation Services. „The order is a significant confirmation of Boeing’s commitment to help its customers achieve success.“
A modified 747-400 receives a side cargo door and a layout that is similar to the 747-400 production freighter. The 747-400 Boeing Converted Freighter is available with seating for up to 19 people in the upper deck, an option found on no other converted freighter.