SASCO awarded conversion contract

’s

(SASCO) has been awarded $136m by Boeing to perform certain passenger-to-freighter (PTF) conversions under the 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) program. ST Aerospace is the aerospace arm of Singapore Technologies Engineering (ST Engineering).

The 767-300BCF conversion entails the removal of passenger interiors, equipment, and furnishings; installation of a main-deck side cargo door; replacement or strengthening of the main-deck floor structures; installation of a 9-G rigid cargo barrier; and a new cargo handling system, as well as other systems changes.

ST Aerospace will induct the first aircraft from ANA, Boeing's launch customer for this program, at its SASCO facility in Singapore for conversion in October 2007, and the prototype is expected for redelivery in June 2008, upon FAA certification.

ST Aerospace is a part of Boeing's international network of modification facilities, and has been selected as a conversion centre for the 767-300 based on its performance on other conversion programs including the MD-11 PTF.

Since 1991, ST Aerospace's facilities in Singapore and the US have been actively involved in performing PTF conversions for aircraft including the DC-10, MD-10, MD-11, 727 and 757-200SF.

A 767-300 passenger aircraft undergoes major modifications on its main deck, with the converted 767-300BCF expected to have about the same cargo capability as the same model production freighter with approximately 50 tonnes structural payload at a range of approximately 3,000 nautical miles (5,930km) and 412,000lbs (187,270kg) maximum takeoff weight.