Mark Szakonyi, Daily Content Editor | Dec 22, 2011 10:16AM EST
Evergreen International Airlines, an international cargo carrier, will gain a second 747-400 converted freighter next year under a Boeing program to modify the widebody at a plant in Xiamen, China.
The conversion will mark the delivery of the 50th edition of the jet to be converted into a freighter. Boeing has shifted its line for production of new 747 freighters to the next-generation 747-8.
Evergreen, based in McMinnville, Oregon, said the converted aircraft “will bring improvements in economics, efficiency and environmental performance.” The carrier currently operates one 747-400 and nine 747-200s.
"Reaching the 50 conversion milestone shows that air cargo industry recognizes the value of the 747-400BCF,” said Dan da Silva, vice president of freighter conversions for Boeing Commercial Aviation Services.
Boeing provides oversight of the conversion program and Taikoo Aircraft Engineering in Xiamen does the modification work. The 747-400 conversion program began in 2004 and delivered its first freighter in 2005.
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