Last week, airlines and airline manufacturers got together at the Singapore Air Show. Although there were no mega orders, there was an interesting trend visible. In short, cargo is becoming more and more important.
First Airbus. Singapore Airlines confirmed its order for seven A350 freighter aircraft and Etihad signed a letter of intent for also seven aircraft. Both airlines already use the passenger version of the A350. For their cargo operations, they use the 777F and 747F respectively. They get the new freighters won’t before late 2025.
Unlike Airbus which is selling new planes, Boeing is focussing on converting passenger aircraft into freighter versions, especially the 737 and 767. There are currently already 22 production lines focussed on converting these aircraft to freighter aircraft. At the Singapore Air Show Boeing struck a deal to add another one in the Chinese city Guangzhou.
At these lines, Boeing will strip the aircraft of its passenger configuration, reinforce the flooring of the aircraft and add a large cargo door at the side of the aircraft.
While many airlines operate 747-8 Freighters, few fly the passenger version. Find out here which airlines do operate the latest 747 aircraft.