First 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighter Goes to ANA

Boeing, Singapore Technologies Aerospace Ltd (ST Aerospace) and ANA (All Nippon Airways) celebrated the completion and certification of the first 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighter at a redelivery ceremony held in Singapore on Monday. Boeing launched the 767-300BCF passenger-to-freighter conversion program in 2005 with three firm orders and four options from ANA. Since then, ANA has exercised all the options and now has ordered seven passenger-to-freighter conversions in all.

First 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighter Redelivered to ANA
First 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighter Redelivered to ANA

“We are delighted to take delivery of the first 767-300BCF. It will be a key aircraft in the expansion of our cargo operation and express delivery services to countries neighbouring Japan,” said Shinsuke Maki, ANA’s senior vice president, Engineering & Maintenance, who was present at the ceremony.

The ANA jet began its transformation from a passenger airplane to a freighter on Oct. 18, 2007, when it arrived at ST Aerospace’s subsidiary ST Aviation Services Company (SASCO) in Paya Lebar, Singapore. Boeing, SASCO and ANA celebrated the completion of the door cutting ahead of the production schedule on Nov. 18, a significant process that signifies the readiness of the aircraft for major modifications, and they completed the conversion work for this prototype in April on schedule. On April 10, Boeing test pilots flew the airplane from Singapore to Seattle, followed by two months of flight testing. The 50-ton-capacity freighter flew nonstop to Seattle, completing the 14-hour, 51-minute flight at 10:13 a.m. the same day, but 15 time zones away. Boeing began its ground testing and certification program immediately thereafter. The prototype passed its flight tests with outstanding results and was flown back to Singapore on May 26.

With up to 54 tonnes of lift, high dispatch reliability, superior performance, low noise and thrifty fuel consumption, the 767-300 is a valuable member of any freighter fleet. Passenger-to-freighter conversion is an excellent strategy for augmenting lift or for replacing aging DC-8s, A300s, and DC-10s.

Source: Boeing
Photo Credit: Boeing

Safety Report – 06/17/2008


Date & Time: 06/15/2008 01:11
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Aircraft Type: McDonnell Douglas DC-9-51 Registration: N774NC
Operator: Northwest Airlines Flight: 9865
Phase: Other
Damage: Minor
Injuries & Fatalities: None
Description: While under tow to overnight parking, stopped suddenly and the tow bar broke

Date & Time: 06/16/2008 18:04
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Aircraft Type: Boeing 737 Registration: Unknown
Operator: Southwest Airlines Flight: 2511
Phase: Landing
Damage: Minor
Injuries & Fatalities: None
Description: Aircraft blew a tire on landing and the right main gear caught fire – passengers were deplaned via stairs
Video: http://www.azfamily.com/news/homepagetopstory/stories/phoenix_local_news…

Source: FAA
Correctness of this posting is not guaranteed & completeness not intended. This posting is just for informational purpose.

Safety Report – 06/12/2008


Date & Time: 06/11/2008 22:30
Location: Bellingham, WA
Aircraft Type: McDonnell Douglas MD-82 (DC-9-82) Registration: N891GA
Operator: Allegiant Air Flight: 602
Phase: Descent
Damage: Unknown
Injuries & Fatalities: None
Description: Allegiant Airlines flight 602, on descent struck an object, possibly a bird. After landing, dents on the leading edge and engine nacelle were found.

Source: FAA
Correctness of this posting is not guaranteed & completeness not intended. This posting is just for informational purpose.

Air Astana signs a firm order for six A320s

Air Astana, the flag carrier of Kazakhstan, has signed a firm contract for the purchase of six A320s, as part of its expansion programme on domestic and medium-haul routes. The contract, which is the airline’s first with Airbus, confirms the Memorandum of Understanding which was announced in December 2007.

Air Astana’s A320s will feature the brand-new cabin recently introduced on all members of the A320 Family, which provides more comfort and space for passengers in a modern and quiet environment. The aircraft on order will accommodate up to 148 passengers in a two-class cabin layout. The choice of engines has not yet been made. The aircraft will join Air Astana’s existing fleet which already includes some A320 Family aircraft, which are currently being operated on its domestic and international network.

Source: Airbus

Sudan Airways A310 Bursts Into Flames (Video)

A Sudan Airways Airbus A310-324 (ST-ATN), Flight 109 from Amman (AMM) (Jordan), carrying more than 200 people has burst into flames after landing at the international airport of Khartoum, the capital of Sudan.

Witnesses told Al Jazeera that some of the passengers had left the aircraft safely, but Sudan TV reported that more than 100 people had been killed.

A spokesman of the Sudanese police, said that bad weather had “caused the plane to crash land, split into two and catch fire”.

Weather during the afternoon in Khartoum (local time is Z + 3 hours) was reported as:
HSSS 101430Z 12013KT 3000 M TS/RA FEW050CB SCT056 BKN140 Q1011 NO SIG=
HSSS 101700Z 27002KT 9/9 TS RA OV ST FEW050 SCT056 BKN140 26/26 Q1013 NO SIG=
HSSS 101830Z 15010KT 9/9 FEW050 CB TS TO E SCT 056 Q1010=
HSSS 101900Z 14007KT 9/9 FEW050 CB TS TOE SCT056 30/19 Q1010 NO SIG=

The aircraft involved in the accident was MSN (Manufacturer Serial Number) 548, first delivered from the production line in August 1990, and operated by Sudan Airways since September 2007. The aircraft had logged some 52,000 flight hours and some 21,000 flight cycles. It was powered by Pratt & Whitney PW 4152 engines.

Source: aljazeera / AP /Aviation Safety Network / Airbus

Raw video by AP

Video by Reuters

Photos – A380 Pioneer Pilot Signatures

I recently spotted special markings on both nose gear doors of F-WWDD (Airbus A380-841 – MSN 004). On the left door Singapore Airlines A380 pioneer pilots have left their signatures, the right door has been signed by Qantas A380 pilots. Some of the Qantas signatures are marked with dates “3/5/08” and “15/5/08”.

A380 Nose Gear Door Pilot Signatures - SIA
A380 Nose Gear Door SIA Pilot Signatures
A380 Nose Gear Door Pilot Signatures - Qantas


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Blue Air orders 3 Next-Generation 737-900ER

Boeing and Romanian low-cost carrier Blue Air announce today an agreement on an order for three Next-Generation 737-900ER jetliners. Earlier this year, the Bucharest-based airline ordered two 737-800s. Today’s order is worth $238.5 million at current list prices. The airplanes will be equipped with performance-enhancing Blended Winglets, which improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions by up to 4 percent.

Blue Air Boeing Next-Generation 737-900ER

Blue Air started operations in December 2004 as the first Romanian low-cost carrier. From its base at Bucharest’s Baneasa International Airport, Blue Air currently operates an all-Boeing fleet of five 737 Classics and will introduce two leased 737-800s later this year, followed by one more early next year.

Source: Boeing
Photo Credit: Boeing