Boeing Delivers Modified MD-11 Freighters To Korean Airlines And China Eastern Airlines
Boeing Airplane Services last month delivered two MD-11 aircraft modified from passenger to freighter configuration. One airplane was delivered to Korean Airlines and the other to China Eastern Airlines.
The freighter modifications, completed at the Boeing facility in Wichita, Kan. and Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI), involved the removal of the passenger furnishings, installation of a side cargo door, replacement of selected floor panels to strengthen the main deck floor, and installation of a cargo handling system.
In November, the Boeing San Antonio, Texas, site also delivered a modified MD-11 to KAL.
"This is another example of Boeing Airplane Services delivering on its commitments," said Joe Gullion, president of Boeing Airplane Services. "Our customers are getting the best value-added freighter conversions the industry offers," he said.
The Korean Airlines MD-11 is the first MD-11 modification to be done at Boeing Airplane Services' Wichita Modification Center, a full-service facility specializing in wide-bodied aircraft modifications and structural durability updates.
IAI is among the companies in the international Boeing network of modification and engineering facilities established last June to provide retrofit packages for Boeing commercial airplanes.
Boeing Airplane Services also took delivery recently of two additional MD-11 airplanes for cargo conversion for Gemini Air Cargo. One airplane will be modified in Wichita, and the other will be reconfigured at IAI's facility. The two modified airplanes are scheduled to be delivered to Gemini in May 2000.
The MD-11 Freighter is the world's most advanced trijet freighter, offering a sophisticated flight deck and advanced automatic system controls. The airplane is known for its extended, intercontinental, nonstop range; low fuel burn per trip; unrestricted, over-water operation and large cargo-carrying capacity.
Boeing Airplane Services offers engineering retrofit packages, avionics upgrades, passenger-to-freighter conversions, interior reconfigurations, recovery and repair services, and airplane performance improvements for all Boeing commercial airplanes.
In addition, Boeing Airplane Services has the most comprehensive spare parts distribution system in the industry, with a worldwide network of distribution and service centers. It also provides technical consulting and general contracting support for passenger and cargo airlines.
Boeing Airplane Services is part of the Boeing Commercial Aviation Services organization, which offers the aviation industry's broadest array of support resources. There are more than 11,000 Boeing airplanes in operation today around the world.
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For further information:
Fred Solis
(316) 526-3153
(316) 526-3153
Sean O'Donnell
(206) 544-7553
(206) 544-7553