Boeing and ANA (All Nippon Airways) announced that the airline exercisedoptions for two more 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighters. Previously, ANAlaunched the 767-300BCF program witha 2005 order for three conversions andfour options.
In 2006, ANA exercised two of the options and this agreement to exercise the last of the 2005 options brings the airline’s firm order total to seven of the passenger to- freighter conversions. ANA plans to use the freighters as part of a joint-venture cargo operation. The first of ANA’s newly converted freighters was completed at Singapore Technologies Aerospace (SASCO) and made its first flight in April. The 50- tonne-capacity freighter then flew nonstop to Seattle, where Boeing Flight Operations pilots stationed in Seattle will conduct the flight test programme.
The airplane is painted in the livery of Japan-based ANA, the launch customer for the 767-300BCF, and the livery of ALLEX, a joint venture between ANA, Nippon Express and Kintestsu World Express. After flight testing and certification, the redelivery of the first ANA 767-300BCF is planned for June at the SASCO facility in Singapore.
"ANA is a forward-looking cargo operator in a strong market and we look forward to the 767-300BCF meeting the airline’s needs for cargo lift," said Dan da Silva, vice president of Sales and Marketing for Boeing Commercial Aviation Services.