Boeing

The side cargo door was installed earlier this month on the first 757-200 to undergo passenger-to-freighter modification for DHL Worldwide Express at Boeing Airplane Services' Wichita facility. The 142-inch-by-125-inch side door will enable the modified 757 to load and carry 60,000 pounds of cargo distances of more than 2,000 nautical miles.

The airplane is the first of 44 Boeing 757 passenger jets Boeing Airplane Services will modify into special freighter models for the international cargo carrier. Under a multi-year contract, Boeing Airplane Services is purchasing, converting and maintaining the airplanes as part of a total fleet management solution for DHL.

A second 757 arrived at Wichita for modification earlier this month. Delivery of the first 757 Special Freighter is slated for this December.