Boeing delivers 747-400 Freighter to Cargolux, MD-11 freighter to Aeroflot Cargo

Luxembourg City-based, Cargolux, one of the largest scheduled all-cargo airlines in Europe with a global network took delivery of its 16th and last Boeing 747-400 Freighter. This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the cargo line taking delivery of its first Boeing 747 Freighter.

The new aircraft, dubbed "City of Contern," was delivered before a contingent of official representatives from the commune of Contern, Luxembourg, as well as Luxembourg-based media.

Cargolux is also the launch customer for the Boeing 747-8, and will take delivery of the first of its 13 Boeing 747-8 Freighters in 2009.

The new 747-8 Freighters will offer significant capacity benefits over their 747-400F fleet, with a maximum structural payload capacity of 140 metric tonnes and 16 per cent more revenue cargo volume, with slightly greater range and 16 per cent lower tonne-kilometre costs.

Meanwhile, in an another ceremony at Frankfurt, Germany, Boeing handed over another converted MD-11 Freighter to Russian flag carrier, Aeroflot. The delivery is one of three leased MD-11 Boeing Converted Freighters (BCFs).

Boeing is helping Aeroflot Cargo improve its operational efficiency and adapt to growing market demands by providing it with a fleet of converted MD-11 freighters. Boeing Capital Corporation, the company's aircraft financing arm, has structured the deal with Boeing conducting the modification work at sub-contractor facilities in Europe.

Aeroflot Cargo, which operates four DC-10 freighters, is leasing the three MD-11BCFs on a multi-year basis.
 
A converted MD-11 carries a 93.2 tonne structural payload at a range of 6,456 kilometres at 286,000 kg maximum takeoff weight. The main and lower deck cargo compartments hold a total of 36 pallets or containers.
 
The MD-11 freighter conversion features an updated flight deck and cargo handling system, better fuel efficiency and increased payload and range capabilities.
 
Aeroflot Cargo also has committed to acquire three additional MD-11 aircrafts to undergo freighter conversion with Boeing's help. The first aircraft will begin modification later this year with re-deliveries in 2009.
 
Boeing Commercial Aviation Services will provide detailed engineering design work and oversight of the Aeroflot Cargo conversions, along with SASCO, a subsidiary of ST Aerospace.
 
Overall, Boeing has converted more than 100 MD-11 passenger aircrafts to freighters.