Cargolux looking ‘very closely’ at 777-300ER freighter conversion
Cargolux is examining the Boeing 777-300ER freighter conversion programme as a candidate to meet its future fleet requirements, according to the airline’s chief executive Richard Forson.
The European cargo operator – whose fleet of 30 747s were all line-built freighters – is considering two scenarios for future aircraft orders, Forson explained during a UK Aviation Club event this week: look to the big manufactures for freighter versions of newer-generation widebodies, or seek the conversion of older-generation passenger aircraft.
“The specific one we are looking very closely at is the conversion of the 777-300ER into a freighter, in which Gecas, together with IAI, are doing a programme,” he said.
The
IAI conversion programme was unveiled in October last year by leasing giant Gecas, which placed a launch order for 15 firm conversions with 15 options and is co-investor in the effort. The conversion is designated 777-300ER special freighter (SF) and is the first aftermarket cargo modification launched for the 777 family.
“I’m keeping an eye on that and wondering if the whole freighter concept is now going full circle, where initially it started off as conversion of passenger aircraft and then it went into production freighters, and maybe are we getting back to a situation now where manufacturers are going to say the risk is too high,” Forson explained