Boeing

Boeing recently delivered the first 747-300 Special Freighter to Atlas Air from the Boeing Airplane Services' Wichita, Kan., modification facility. Colorado-based Atlas Air launched the 747-300 modification program in May 2000 with an order for three airplanes. Boeing expects to deliver the remaining two freighters by year-end.

Combi airplane freighter modifications require the removal of all passenger features on the airplane as well as the replacement of floor beams, seat tracks and floor panels to strengthen the main deck. Boeing Airplane Services installs additional powered cargo handling, smoke detection and fire suppression systems in the airplane's forward area.

The converted 747-300s will be capable of carrying the same volume as 747-200 modified freighters -- 26,600 cubic feet, of which 20,550 cubic feet will be on the main deck. The airplane will be able to carry approximately 235,000 pounds of revenue payload and its range will be approximately 4,200 nautical miles.

Boeing Airplane Services provides global air transport solutions designed to meet an airline's individual requirements. Offerings include passenger-to-freighter conversions, engineering retrofit packages, avionics upgrades, in-flight entertainment systems integration, and cabin management solutions for all Boeing commercial airplanes.