Converted B747-400's - Achieving the Performance Parameters?
As part of some longer-term project planning I am trying to collate information on the actual, achieved performance levels of the 747-400 conversions to freighters - the -SF and -BCF.
Obviously the first converted airframes are now in scheduled revenue service, and a number of players have put a lot of cash (and faith) behind the concept of turning pax aircraft into freighters. Given the importance of this programme plus the competenece of the main players in the market, I have been surprised to hear recently from a couple of sources (who should know the business) that the early conversions are not living up to expectations in terms of useful, revenue payloads (against the 'pure' 747F) - and that one or two players are even reviewing whether to proceed with future options. Maybe someone is just putting a 'spin' on this situation for their own reasons, but is this really a case of smoke without fire?