Received the following compliments of ATW this morning:
Cathay Pacific to add 13 aircraft to cargo fleet
Dateline: Friday January 09, 2004
In a major expansion of its freighter capacity, Cathay Pacific Airways will add up to 13 aircraft to its cargo fleet.
The airline placed an order for one new 747-400F scheduled for delivery in Feb. 2005 and will convert at least six, and as many as 12, 747-400 passenger aircraft into freighters. At the same time it plans to launch new freighter services from Hong Kong to Beijing, Munich and points in North America pending government approval.
Cathay will be the launch customer for the new converted 747-400 Special Freighter. The first aircraft is expected to be completed in Dec. 2005 with five others finished by 2007. Boeing is working with Taikoo (Xiamen) Aircraft Engineering Co. Ltd. on the prototype modification. The airline may convert a number of its own 747-400 passenger aircraft along with others to be purchased secondhand.
The carrier currently also is evaluating options to expand its long-haul passenger fleet. It is considering both purchasing 12 747-400s from British Airways and a new order for 777-300ERs. It is rumored to be considering disposing of its three newly delivered A340-600s, with South African Airways a candidate.
The 747-400SF will be modified with a strengthened main deck and side cargo door identical to those on the 747-400F production freighter. The 747-400SF will have an estimated capacity of 113,490 kg. and a range of 7,600 km. It will be used on trunk cargo routes within Asia and to North America and Europe.
The new factory-produced 747-400F will be powered by Rolls-Royce RB211-524H-T engines. It also will be used to operate to Europe and North America as well as on some regional routes. Cathay currently operates five 747-400Fs and six 747-200Fs and is the world's sixth-largest air cargo carrier in terms of tonnage.--Geoffrey Thomas
Looking good for the lads
Cathay Pacific to add 13 aircraft to cargo fleet [B]