newstodate.aero
Aug 8, 2008 (newstodate): Swedish carrier Nord-Flyg that is the first airline to introduce the Dash8 Q400 in a freighter version, expects to receive its first of two ex-SAS aircraft by the end of October, 2008.
This implies a delay against the original plans envisaging first delivery by Cascade Aerospace, Canada, in late August or early September.
-We have faced a delay due to design problems with the new cargo floor, says Ulf Darenius, Nord-Flyg managing director.
-The problem has now been solved, and the delivery of the second converted Q400 by the end of November will not be affected.
-We have also signed a LoI with SAS for purchase of a further three aircraft, and a final decision will hinge on the initial performance, technically and commercially, of these first two aircraft.
-We do, however, expect much from this as this is really introducing a new concept to the air cargo industry by positioning fast turbo-prop freighter aircraft between slower, small and fuel-consuming ATP/ATR aircraft and large Boeing 737-size jet aircraft.
-Converted into a freighter, the Q400 will offer the uplift capacity of 9.1 tonnes of cargo, or 83 cubic meters in a fuel-efficient operation. This makes a perfect option for the market, says Mr Darenius.
This implies a delay against the original plans envisaging first delivery by Cascade Aerospace, Canada, in late August or early September.
-We have faced a delay due to design problems with the new cargo floor, says Ulf Darenius, Nord-Flyg managing director.
-The problem has now been solved, and the delivery of the second converted Q400 by the end of November will not be affected.
-We have also signed a LoI with SAS for purchase of a further three aircraft, and a final decision will hinge on the initial performance, technically and commercially, of these first two aircraft.
-We do, however, expect much from this as this is really introducing a new concept to the air cargo industry by positioning fast turbo-prop freighter aircraft between slower, small and fuel-consuming ATP/ATR aircraft and large Boeing 737-size jet aircraft.
-Converted into a freighter, the Q400 will offer the uplift capacity of 9.1 tonnes of cargo, or 83 cubic meters in a fuel-efficient operation. This makes a perfect option for the market, says Mr Darenius.