Boeing

XIAMEN, China, July 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA), Evergreen International Airlines and Taikoo Aircraft Engineering (TAECO) celebrate the delivery of the 50th 747-400 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF). The airplane is the first to enter the Evergreen fleet and the 40th conversion completed by TAECO.

All 747-400BCF deliveries have been completed on or ahead of scheduled commitments to customer airlines.

"This is a milestone that few other large freighter conversion programs have attained," said Dan da Silva, vice president, Freighter Conversions for Boeing. "We believe this speaks to our focus on quality and customer needs."

Modifications to the airplane include a side cargo door addition, a new, strengthened main-deck floor, full main-deck lining installation, provisions for a new cargo handling system and complete revisions to the airplane systems. Boeing manages the overall conversion, including engineering and materials, and TAECO converts the airplane at its Xiamen facility under contract with Boeing. Ten conversions have been completed by customers using kits provided by Boeing.

The 747-400BCF program was launched in 2004 and the first delivery took place in 2005.

Evergreen International Airlines, based in McMinnville, Ore., currently operates 10 747s, including one 747-400 freighter and nine 747-200 freighters.

Boeing offers a comprehensive portfolio of commercial aviation services, collectively known as the Boeing Edge, bringing value and advantages to customers and the industry. The Fleet Services team helps airline customers get the most out of every air mile – from providing technical information and expertise to manage their fleet to delivering engineering and maintenance services to keep operations running smoothly.  Aligned with customers' engineering and maintenance functions, Fleet Services also provides aircraft-on-ground services, passenger-to-freighter conversions, modifications and performance upgrades, and management of airline fleets. Field Services representatives are stationed globally.  In addition, a 24/7 operations center offers real-time collaboration with customers and suppliers.  Optimizing fleet performance and maintenance operations to OEM standards helps Boeing customers succeed.

Contact: 
Bob Saling
Commercial Aviation Services Communications
+1 206-852-3327
bob.saling@boeing.com

Rick Sanford
Commercial Aviation Services Communications
+1 206-321-4449
rick.sanford@boeing.com