April 22: Air China Cargo and TAECO (Taikoo Aircraft Engineering Co) celebrated the ‘re-delivery’ of the carrier’s first 747-400 Boeing Converted Freighter, the first of three 747-400BCFs it has ordered. The aeroplane has been converted from an Air China 747-400 Combi.
“Our 747-400BCFs will provide increased efficiency compared to our 747-200Fs and bring greater operational commonality with our newer 747-400 Freighters,” said Air China Cargo Vice President Xiao Ping.
Air China Cargo is receiving the eighth conversion from a combi model, also the 29th to be converted at the TAECO facility. A second conversion for Air China Cargo is also under way at TAECO. Nine carriers have ordered 49 747-400BCFs, all converted from existing airframes. “Our Boeing Converted Freighter programmes are built upon understanding and meeting our customers’ needs,” said Nancy Nicholas, Director of the 747-400BCF Program for Boeing.
Modifications for the combi-to-freighter conversion include a strengthened main-deck floor, full main-deck lining installation, provision for a new cargo handling system and complete revisions to the aircraft systems. The 747-400BCF has positions for 30 pallets on the main deck, a volume that is comparable with the 747-400 production freighter.
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