Boeing to Modify Two 747s for American International Airways
The Boeing Company today announced that it has contracted to modify two 747-200 combi jetliners into special freighter configuration for American International Airways. The work will be performed at Boeing Commercial Airplane Group's Modification Center in Wichita, Kansas.
The first of the two airplanes will begin modification in June with delivery scheduled for September. The second airplane to undergo modification is scheduled to arrive in Wichita in July and deliver in October 1998.
The Boeing Wichita Modification Center will perform Service Bulletin updates and a full-maintenance "D" check package, including structural inspections and corrosion prevention and control applications in conjunction with the conversion to full freighter configuration. In addition to the production-quality structural enhancements, the optimal Maximum Zero Fuel Weight increase to 590,000 pounds is included with this modification.
With headquarters in Ypsilanti, Michigan, American International Airways is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kitty Hawk Inc., providing air freighter and charter passenger services in both domestic and international markets. Major AIA customers include the U.S. government, small-package and heavyweight freight carriers and the automobile industry.
Boeing Wichita's full-service Modification Center specializes in wide-bodied aircraft modifications and structural durability updates. This contract award will increase to 83 the number of Boeing 747 airplanes converted to freighter configuration at this facility.
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