newstodate.aero
Mar 19, 2008 (newstodate): Swedish cargo carrier Nord-Flyg will be the first to operate a converted Bombardier DAsh-8 Q400 converted freighter, opening a new segment in the freighter business.
-We have acquired one ex-SAS Q400 aircraft, and signed a LoI for subsequent acquisition of more units, says Ulf Darenius, Nord-Flyg CEO.
-The conversion, starting from April, has been contracted to the Canadian provider Cascade Aerospace, with entry into service expected by August/September, 2008.
-We expect the converted freighter to carry 85-90 cubic meters of bulk cargo, or 9-9.5 tonnes of cargo over distances up to some 900 nm.
-What is unique with this converted freighter is its ability to perform for integrator customers at jet-speed on regional routes not requiring the capacity of Boeing 737 or BAe 146 aircraft, and at the same time the Q400 is also a green aircraft offering attractive fuel-efficiency and low emissions.
-This aircraft opens up an entirely new segment of freighter operations, and we expect much from this, says Mr Darenius.
Apart from Nord-Flyg, only one other operator, the Qantas Group, is reportedly considering cargo conversion of one Q400 aircraft.
-We have acquired one ex-SAS Q400 aircraft, and signed a LoI for subsequent acquisition of more units, says Ulf Darenius, Nord-Flyg CEO.
-The conversion, starting from April, has been contracted to the Canadian provider Cascade Aerospace, with entry into service expected by August/September, 2008.
-We expect the converted freighter to carry 85-90 cubic meters of bulk cargo, or 9-9.5 tonnes of cargo over distances up to some 900 nm.
-What is unique with this converted freighter is its ability to perform for integrator customers at jet-speed on regional routes not requiring the capacity of Boeing 737 or BAe 146 aircraft, and at the same time the Q400 is also a green aircraft offering attractive fuel-efficiency and low emissions.
-This aircraft opens up an entirely new segment of freighter operations, and we expect much from this, says Mr Darenius.
Apart from Nord-Flyg, only one other operator, the Qantas Group, is reportedly considering cargo conversion of one Q400 aircraft.