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Feature: Which freighter is right for you?
19 May 2010
Geoff Hearn considers whether new-build freighter aircraft are a good investment compared to converting passenger aircraft.
Read more:
new-build freighters
freighter conversions
Boeing
747-8 freighter
Airbus
A330-200F
Competition between new-build freighters and freighter conversions is fierce. Conversions might be cheaper, but new-build aircraft can offer better economics for highly utilized cargo aircraft. The market for new-builds continues to evolve, with Airbus and Boeing both announcing milestones in the development programmes of their factory-built freighters.
The European Aviation Safety Agency granted Airbus type certification for the A330-200F on April 9. The European manufacturer has put on hold plans for the A380F, though the company maintains it will still build the aircraft, saying that a freighter model was an integral part of the original concept of the A380 family.
“We will relaunch the freighter version when we are comfortable with the A380 production situation and the market is ready for it," says Jonathan Lesieur, freighter-marketing manager, Airbus. He adds that when the aircraft is relaunched, it will benefit from all the improvements that have been incorporated in the passenger...
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