Six SQ 744's to be converted to freighters?

[Peter11]

I dont really know what this article means.....but someone here will!

http://www.boeing.com/commercial/747...61026b_pr.html

[globetrekker84]

Are you referring to the Boeing Converted Freighter program? Basically it takes a passenger 747 and heavily modifies it so that it transports freight instead.

[Peter11]

Well, yes, I understand the concept. The article mentions that SQ has purchased six "kits" to carry out such a conversion. Does this mean that six of SQ's 744's are about to be taken out of the fleet?

[globetrekker84]

Well, yes, I understand the concept. The article mentions that SQ has purchased six "kits" to carry out such a conversion. Does this mean that six of SQ's 744's are about to be taken out of the fleet?

Oh. Um I think a few are supposed to come out of service pretty soon. The oldest aircraft is SMM, which was delivered some 14 years ago, back in '92. With the arrivals of the 77Ws, I'm sure they'll slowly reduce the 744 fleet.

[9V-JKL]

Its more for SIA Engineering Company rather than the SQ we normally talk about.

SMM is now under conversion for Dragonair

[9V-JKL]

SIAEC's Airframe conversion business:

http://www.siaec.com.sg/Services/air...onversion.html

"Through the expertise gained over the years, SIAEC will be among the first in the world to acquire the capability to convert a Boeing B747-400 into a B747-400 freighter aircraft. The Passenger-to-Freighter (PTF) conversion service is the Company's latest service offering. With a dedicated hangar and maintenance line, SIAEC is geared up to provide conversion services for the B747-400."

[sq_a380]

SMT will be the next to go

[wunala747]

Do you have an idea who will take up 9V-SMT after she becomes a 744BCF?

[MAN Flyer]

Not sure where SMT is going. SMM is going to Dragonair so could be the same.

[wunala747]

9V-SMM will become B-KAF and be delivered in DEC06.
The next B744BCF to join Dragonair after B-KAF will only be delivered in Aug07.

So unless 9V-SMT is not going for conversion yet, isnt it a bit too early to be converted for Dragonair? Or is 9V-SMT destined for some other airlines?

[AndrewSQ011]

Oh. Um I think a few are supposed to come out of service pretty soon. The oldest aircraft is SMM, which was delivered some 14 years ago, back in '92. With the arrivals of the 77Ws, I'm sure they'll slowly reduce the 744 fleet.

I also think that SQ is reducing the B744 fleet because of the upcoming A380

[MAN Flyer]

I also think that SQ is reducing the B744 fleet because of the upcoming A380

That's exactly why the 744's are going but they have been caught out - badly - by the long delays. So much so that they are struggling for aircraft from the beginning of next year.

They have tried to delay the sales of some 744's to cover for the A380 delay.

[Peter11]

That does make sence that they would be reducing the number of 744's in anticipation of the 380. I hope the 380 ends up being everything they want it to be from a revenue and operational cost basis. I guess in any case, they would be getting rid of the older 744's and at this point simply because of their age.

I dont follow this stuff as closely as you guys, so forgive me if I am wrong about this. But wasn't the 340 a disappointment to the airlines? It did not live up to the efficiencies that Airbus had promised? If so, are the airlines that much more confident in the 380 or are they simply jumping on because it is a great marketing tool?

I know this is going OT a bit, but it is relevant in that SQ and other airlines will be motivated to weed out the 744's more or less quickly if the 380 is or is not a success.

[globetrekker84]

That does make sence that they would be reducing the number of 744's in anticipation of the 380. I hope the 380 ends up being everything they want it to be from a revenue and operational cost basis. I guess in any case, they would be getting rid of the older 744's and at this point simply because of their age.

I dont follow this stuff as closely as you guys, so forgive me if I am wrong about this. But wasn't the 340 a disappointment to the airlines? It did not live up to the efficiencies that Airbus had promised? If so, are the airlines that much more confident in the 380 or are they simply jumping on because it is a great marketing tool?

I know this is going OT a bit, but it is relevant in that SQ and other airlines will be motivated to weed out the 744's more or less quickly if the 380 is or is not a success.

Yes, both the A343s and A345s could not reach their performance guarantees - The A343s took forever to get to its cruising altitude and therefore had trouble with the Himalayas while the A345s had to have weight restrictions just to reach the US (why they only have 181 seats) - and therefore SQ was/is disappointed in the program and the reason why we haven't seen anymore A340 orders.

For the A380s, however, I think the plane is actually meeting or exceeding its performance specifications (the big question mark was SFO-HKG in winter) and I think the "supposed" firming up of 9 more A380 options is a sign that they confident of the program.

Pertaining to your last statement, despite the fact that SQ and QF have added orders, don't forget that LH just yesterday hedged its bets on the A380 by ordering 20 of the 747-8Is.

[Rejuvenated]

I also think that SQ is reducing the B744 fleet because of the upcoming A380

I think you're on to something there. Most likely the reason why AKL will loose the 744 July 2007.