Aug 23, 2024
Benefits, transformation process and work methodology.
What advantages does the conversion of a passenger aircraft into a freighter offer to an airline?
The freighter conversion program is a solution for airlines to extend the life of their aircraft and improve profitability by allowing airlines to capitalize on new market opportunities in the cargo sector.
Within international logistics, airfreight is becoming increasingly important as the most efficient way of transport over long distances. Total demand has reflected a year-on-year growth of 14.1% compared to June 2023.
Therefore, the conversion of passenger aircraft into freighters represents a strategic and efficient solution in an environment of growing demand for air cargo transportation. This process offers a quick and effective response to the changing needs of the global market.
How is it done?
The conversion of a passenger aircraft to freighter varies according to the model and requires clearance from both the relevant aviation authority and the manufacturer. Aircraft are transferred to the MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) where the conversion will be carried out.
Upon arrival, almost all the interior components of the passenger cabin are removed, including seats, toilets, entertainment systems, bulkheads, among others. Then, the aircraft floor, which must be reinforced to support the additional load of the containers, is removed. In its place, a new system of rollers and anchors designed to ensure the movement and securing of the pallets is installed.
Since passenger aircraft do not have large doors to handle standard containers, a cut is made in the fuselage for the installation of a larger reinforced gate. During this critical phase, the aircraft structure must remain completely static to avoid any deformation, which is achieved by getting the aircraft in zero stress condition.
In addition, aircraft systems, such as avionics, electrical and fire suppression systems, are modified by specialists to meet the new operational requirements. The windows are covered and the partition between the cargo compartment and the cockpit is reinforced.
All these changes take approximately 1,500 calendar hours (about 6 months) involving work teams from different areas and specialties.
SOENAS ROLE:
At SOENAS, we are involved in every stage of the process, providing specialized technical representation to ensure that all modifications and revisions required for the conversion are thoroughly documented and that the aircraft meets airworthiness standards in its new role as a freighter.
SOENAS acts as a key liaison between the manufacturer, the MRO and the aircraft owner, rigorously overseeing the processes and ensuring the quality of the work performed.
During the modification process, different challenges, which vary from one aircraft to another,can arise, so it is essential to be alert and aware to solve them efficiently.
Some of the situations that may arise include:
The need to reevaluate the repairs that the aircraft has in its structure while operating as a passenger aircraft. Some of these may need to be modified to meet the new loading conditions and stresses that the aircraft will be subjected to in its new operation.
Supervising and ensuring that the operator's special requirements are properly integrated along with the modifications, ensuring that the aircraft not only complies with the standards, but also that it is perfectly adapted to the specific operational needs.
Unforeseen events that imply the need to supply spare parts or components immediately. During such a major modification, issues may arise in critical phases of the project, which must be dealt with urgently so that they do not affect the planned schedule.
In an environment where the demand for air cargo transportation continues to grow, the conversion of passenger aircraft to freighters is a strategic solution. SOENAS, with its commitment and expertise, is positioned as a reliable and essential partner in this process, offering technical representation, ensuring the optimization of resources, progress control and monitoring that the agreed deadlines are met, timely alerting the risks that may arise.
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