Boeing

Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Tokyo-based All Nippon Airways (ANA) today confirmed that ANA will launch the 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) program, with a firm agreement for three passenger to freighter conversions with options for an additional four conversions.

The three Boeing Converted Freighters will be redelivered to ANA between December 2007 and October 2008.

The value of the agreement is not being released. Boeing will determine a modification site for the prototype airplane at a later date.

"Our great experience with the Boeing 767 is very important in our selection of the 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighter," said Mineo Yamamoto, president and CEO - All Nippon Airways. "The projected growth of Asian cargo traffic provides an outstanding opportunity for us, and this new model will be very important in the development of our cargo operation and in our new joint venture with Japan Post."

"We are very pleased that ANA has chosen the 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighter and will be our first customer for this important new addition to our freighter family," said Alan Mulally, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighter is a wonderful solution for ANA's operation in the dynamic Asian cargo market."

For the conversion to freighter configuration, a 767-300 passenger airplane receives major modifications on its main deck such as a side cargo door and surround structure, floor beams and struts, floor panels and freighter tracks as provisions for a buyer-furnished cargo handling system, and wall and ceiling liners.

It is planned that the 767-300 ER-based freighter will have virtually the same cargo capability as the production freighter with up to 54 tonnes structural payload at a range of approximately 3200 nautical miles (5930 kilometers) at 412,000 pounds (187,270 kilograms) maximum takeoff weight. There are 24 pallet positions on the main deck.

Further, the Boeing Converted Freighter program delivers solid engineering, quality workmanship, on-schedule delivery, access to MyBoeingFleet, an extensive suite of manuals, and the same level of ongoing customer support as the production airplanes.

Boeing, as the original equipment manufacturer, offers a variety of support packages that may be incorporated during freighter conversions, including avionics and flight-deck upgrades. Airlines may also consider options such as carbon brakes, live animal and perishable food carriage, weight increases and integration of technical manuals.