Thursday, March 4, 2010 - Page updated at 05:16 PM
Boeing switches operators for its Dreamlifter fleet
By Dominic Gates
Seattle Times aerospace reporter
Boeing is transferring the contract to operate its four Dreamlifter super-freighters from Oregon-based Evergreen International to New York-based Atlas Air.
The contract switch is a blow to Evergreen, which employs about 75 pilots, mechanics and ground crew directly operating the Dreamlifters. It employs a further 200 people in support positions on the program, about half of those at its maintenance base in Arizona and the other half at its headquarters in McMinnville, Ore.
Atlas is an important air cargo customer for Boeing, with a dozen of new 747-8 freighters on order.
The Dreamlifters, giant air transports used to ferry large sections of the 787 around the globe, are used 747s that are modified for Boeing in Taiwan. The upper fuselage is replaced by a bulbous crown to accommodate the 787 fuselage sections that must fit inside.
Evergreen was selected to operate the Dreamlifters for Boeing in 2005, with a contract renewable every five years. Since the first one flew in 2006, it has provided flight crews and maintenance for the jets.
But Atlas announced Thursday that it will take over the operation of the Dreamlifters in a new nine-year contract that begins in September.
Tim Wahlberg, chairman of holding company Evergreen International Aviation, said his company was formally informed of the contract loss Wednesday.
"We're very disappointed," said Wahlberg. "We ran a perfect operation. We're very price competitive. We believe (the switch) was unrelated to our operation."
Wahlberg said Boeing told Evergreen the contract was being switched after a review of "best value." But he said Evergreen was never given the chance to rebid the contract against Atlas.
The switch may involve Atlas's pending order with Boeing for twelve new 747-8 cargo planes. Because of a severe contraction in the air cargo market over the last couple of years, Boeing has been negotiating intensely with the initial customers, including Atlas, to reschedule deliveries.
Under the agreement with Atlas, Boeing retains ownership of the four Dreamlifters and will pay fuel costs for the 787 transportation trips.
Wahlberg said taking over the operation means Atlas will have to train pilots on the ungainly Dreamlifter's flight characteristics, and bring ground-handling and maintenance crews up to speed on its unique configuration.
Dominic Gates: 206-464-2963 or
[email protected]
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