Boeing Freighters -- Leading the Air Cargo Industry
Air cargo has become an integral part of world business activity and currently generates revenues of more than $52 billion annually while growing faster than passenger travel. Boeing airplanes perform every role in the air cargo market, offering the most complete choice of freighters and "total solution" capabilities for conversion of airplanes to freighters.
As the undisputed air cargo market leader, Boeing offers a family of freighter models ranging from the 737 to the 747. In addition, Boeing passenger models consistently offer higher cargo capacity than their competitors, and Boeing offers the best in conversions of passenger and combi airplanes to freighters.
Boeing production and post-production freighters provide about 90 percent of the total worldwide dedicated freighter capacity, dominating the world's air cargo fleets.
Boeing airplanes were the pioneers in air cargo from the start of the "jet age," with 707 and DC-8 Freighters, and the development of newer Boeing freighter models has paralleled the expansion of the air cargo industry. Today, Boeing offers an unmatched selection of revenue payloads, from 18 tonnes (20 tons) for the 737-700 Convertible to 134 tonnes (148 tons) for the 747-8 Freighter, and has some exciting ideas for the future.
In addition, Boeing passenger airplanes are highly respected for their lower hold capabilities, which can make a significant difference for airlines by being the determining factor in whether a specific route is profitable.
747-8 Freighter
The new-technology Boeing 747-8 Freighter is the latest version of the undisputed "queen" of the air cargo fleet. It is based on the design recognized as "the single development that (most) shaped air cargo...over the last 25 years" by industry leaders.
The 747-8 Freighter continues the leadership of the 747 Freighter family in the world cargo market. Boeing launched the 747-8 Family with orders for the freighter in November 2005 from Cargolux and Nippon Cargo Airlines. The launch came after considerable study of the market feasibility of a new 747. By working together with customers and applying innovative new technologies of the 787 Dreamliner, Boeing was able to create the 747-8 Family.
The 747-8 Freighter offers a range of 8,275 km (4,475 nmi) and has 16 percent more cargo volume than the 747-400, which allows it to hold seven additional pallets with the same nose-door loading capability, industry-standard three-meter (10-foot)-high pallets and real-world cargo density capability at 158 kilograms per cubic meter or 9.8 pounds per cubic foot.
With a payload capacity of 134 tonnes (148 tons), the 747-8 Freighter offers an additional 121 cubic meters (4,225 cubic feet) of volume -- accommodating four additional main-deck pallets and three additional lower-hold pallets. The 747-8 Freighter enables operators to choose between carrying greater revenue payload -- up to an additional 20 tonnes (22 tons) more than the 747-400F -- or flying up to 1,400 nautical miles farther in markets where cargo density requirements are lower. The airplane upholds its predecesso'’s legendary efficiency, with nearly equivalent trip costs and 14 percent lower tonne-kilometer costs than the 747-400F. In fact, the 747-8 Freighter will enjoy the lowest tonne-kilometer costs of any freighter, giving operators unmatched profit potential.
Compared one-on-one, the 747-8 Freighter has no competitors. The 747-8 Freighter's empty weight is 74 tonnes (82 tons) lighter than the A380 freighter. This results in a 24 percent lower fuel burn per ton, which translates into 20 percent lower trip costs and 23 percent lower tonne-kilometer costs than the A380F.
As of March 15, 2007, seven customers have ordered 57 747-8 Freighters. The first delivery of the 747-8F will be in the second half of 2009 to Cargolux.
747-400 Freighter
The Boeing 747-400 Freighter, currently being produced, can carry 124 tons (110 metric tons) of cargo more than 8,150 kilometers (4,400 nautical miles). Its unique nose-loading system makes full use of the main deck, which accepts three-meter (10-foot)-high pallets. From the beginning, the 747 family design has been specifically optimized as an all-cargo transport.
The 747-400ER Freighter entered service in late 2002. This model has an increased maximum takeoff weight of 412,770 kilograms (910,000 pounds), allowing it to fly an additional 972 kilometers (525 nautical miles) or carry an additional 10,000 kilograms (22,000 pounds) of payload
A total of 23 customers have ordered a total of 166 747-400 Freighters; 130 have been delivered.
Including its predecessors in the 747 freighter family, the 747 freighter fleet comprises half of the world's freighter capacity.
777 Freighter
Responding to strong demand from cargo operators around the world for an efficient, long-range, and high-capacity freighter, Boeing launched the Boeing 777 Freighter in May 2005 with a launch order from Air France.
Bringing unsurpassed efficiency to long-haul markets, the 777 Freighter will fly farther than any other freighter, and will provide more capacity than any other twin-engine freighter. The 777 Freighter will be based on the technologically advanced 777-200LR Worldliner (Longer Range) passenger airplane, and is scheduled to enter service in fourth quarter 2008.
With a maximum takeoff weight of 347,450 kilograms (766,000 pounds), the 777 Freighter will have a revenue payload capability of 103.9 tonnes (229,000 pounds). It provides the same three-meter (10-foot) interior height capacity as the 747 family, allowing for convenient transition of cargo between the models.
The 777 Freighter will be capable of flying 9,065 kilometers (4,895 nautical miles) with a full payload and general cargo market densities, making it the world's longest-range freighter. The airplane’s range capability will translate into significant savings for cargo operators: fewer stops and associated landing fees, less congestion at transfer hubs, lower cargo handling costs and shorter cargo delivery times.
As of March 15, 2007, 15 customers have ordered 62 Boeing 777 Freighters.
767-300 Freighter
The 767-300 Freighter can carry up to 54.4 tonnes (60 tons) of cargo 5,929 kilometers (3,200 nautical miles). It carries seven more tonnes (eight tons) 1100 kilometers (600 nautical miles) farther than the A300-600 Freighter -- with 15 percent lower cash operating costs per tonne-kilometer. Customers have ordered a total of 83 767-300 Freighters.
737-700 Convertible
The 737-700 Convertible is a freighter/passenger derivative of the Boeing Next-Generation 737-700. The 737-700C will set standards in its class with payload capacity of 18 tonnes (20 tons) and cruise speed of Mach .78 to .82. The 737-700C is also designated the C-40A as the replacement for the U.S. Navy's aging fleet of C-9 airplanes used for worldwide, short-notice transportation of military personnel and cargo. The U.S. Navy has ordered eight C-40As to date.
Product Development
The 787, while not currently incorporating a freighter design, is being developed with lower hold cargo as a key consideration and will afford customers 40 to 60 percent more cargo revenue capacity than current airplanes in the 200-250 seat category.
Freighter Modifications
Boeing knows freighters and how to manage freighter conversion programs.
Boeing Commercial Aviation Services offers a wide range of passenger-to-freighter and combi-to-freighter conversions for Douglas and Boeing airplane models. We team with industry leaders to provide innovative conversion solutions. From a 30-ton 757-200 to a 110-ton 747-400 -- and anything in between -- Commercial Aviation Services can match virtually any air cargo requirement with one of its specially designed conversion programs.
In recent years, Boeing has launched the 747-400 Boeing Converted Freighter and the 767-300 BCF, providing the knowledge, experience, certification, and support that only the original equipment manufacturer can provide. Boeing also provides MD-11 Freighter conversion and 757-200SF or 767-200SF (Special Freighter) conversions through proprietary data licensees.