EASTERN Airlines' announced plans to add 35 specially converted B777 passenger-converted freighters, reports London's Air Cargo News.
The aircraft will have seats taken out similar to a typical preighter, but will also feature a Class-E main deck, which will add a level of fire protection.
Dubbed the eastern Express Freighter, the aircraft will be able to carry more types of cargo than a typical passenger-freighter.
'Subject to STC approvals, the Eastern B777 Express Freighter will be a fully certified cargo aircraft with a 'Class-E' main deck capable of carrying a full load of volumetric express cargo non-stop between Asia and the US,' said Eastern Airlines.
'The Eastern Express Freighter will not be subject to the restrictions on cargo commodities that are imposed on conventional passenger aircraft used as freighters,' said Eastern Airlines.
'The innovative design converts the main deck cabin of the widebody B777, the -200, -200ER, and -300 series, into a true cargo aircraft. This allows the entire volume of the main deck cabin to hold low-density, express freight cargo,' said the airlines.
Eastern Airlines also hopes to add a main deck cargo door and a palletized loading system.
Said Eastern Airlines president Steve Harfst: 'This move is not just a game-changer for Eastern, it will also transform the industry.'
'Our pioneering conversion method is tailored specifically to meet the needs of express package freight customers,' said Mr Harfst.
'It is more efficient and cost-effective allowing us to better serve the exact needs of our customers at a competitive price,' said Mr Harfst.
SeaNews Turkey
The aircraft will have seats taken out similar to a typical preighter, but will also feature a Class-E main deck, which will add a level of fire protection.
Dubbed the eastern Express Freighter, the aircraft will be able to carry more types of cargo than a typical passenger-freighter.
'Subject to STC approvals, the Eastern B777 Express Freighter will be a fully certified cargo aircraft with a 'Class-E' main deck capable of carrying a full load of volumetric express cargo non-stop between Asia and the US,' said Eastern Airlines.
'The Eastern Express Freighter will not be subject to the restrictions on cargo commodities that are imposed on conventional passenger aircraft used as freighters,' said Eastern Airlines.
'The innovative design converts the main deck cabin of the widebody B777, the -200, -200ER, and -300 series, into a true cargo aircraft. This allows the entire volume of the main deck cabin to hold low-density, express freight cargo,' said the airlines.
Eastern Airlines also hopes to add a main deck cargo door and a palletized loading system.
Said Eastern Airlines president Steve Harfst: 'This move is not just a game-changer for Eastern, it will also transform the industry.'
'Our pioneering conversion method is tailored specifically to meet the needs of express package freight customers,' said Mr Harfst.
'It is more efficient and cost-effective allowing us to better serve the exact needs of our customers at a competitive price,' said Mr Harfst.
SeaNews Turkey
