Aerospace

How passenger aircraft converted into a freighter

Boeing Forecasts Air Cargo Traffic to Increase Twofold Over Next 20 Years

The airplane, which is currently one of the fastest modes of transportation and has increased passenger demand, is only now starting to understand the importance of cargo transport. Airlines are looking for aircraft that can be converted from passenger to cargo flights. We will look at the conversion process in this article.

Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F) conversions allow passenger aircraft to be transformed into freighter aircraft. In order to enable the loading and unloading of goods, the process entails removing the seats and other passenger comforts from the aircraft’s cabin and replacing them with a cargo door and other alterations.

A well-liked and economical method of producing more cargo airplanes is to convert existing freighters. It’s amazing to observe how a passenger plane is transformed into a cargo, especially as airlines continue to acquire more and more of these jets. Here is an example of the entire process.

Here are the general steps involved in a typical P2F conversion:

Removal of interior fittings: Interior fittings are removed from the aircraft, including the seats, galleys, restrooms, overhead bins, and other interior fittings.
Reinforcement of the cabin floor: The installation of cargo handling systems includes the use of cargo nets, roller bed systems, and cargo loading systems.
Installation of cargo handling systems: The cabin floor has been strengthened so that it can support the weight and loading demands of the cargo.
Cargo door installation: To make it easier to load and unload cargo, a cargo door is mounted on the fuselage.
Addition of structural modifications: Structural modifications may be required to support the added weight and stress of cargo operations.
Cargo fire suppression systems and other avionics are installed to support cargo operations.
Testing and certification: To make sure the modified aircraft complies with legal standards and is secure for cargo missions, it goes through rigorous testing and certification processes.
Modifications: The P2F conversion process can be performed by specialized aircraft modification companies and can take several months to complete. The cost of the conversion varies depending on the type of aircraft and the extent of modifications required.

Specialized aircraft modification companies can carry out the P2F conversion process, which normally takes many months to complete. Depending on the type of aircraft and the amount of changes required the cost of conversion varies. However, by enabling operators to transport cargo, the change can increase the aircraft’s useful life and generate additional revenue.

Analysts predict that demand will increase in this sector based on the existing market. The modifications will also be advantageous for airlines, leasing firms, maintenance businesses, and aircraft manufacturers. A conversion of an aircraft is technically highly challenging. In order to assure efficient production and on-time completion, it necessitates highly skilled experts and a sizable quantity of parts. Many work steps used to be done manually, but today, even in the aviation sector, an increasing number of MRO (maintenance, repair, and operation) activities are being automated.

Aerospace

Boeing’s Aurora Flight Sciences Expands Columbus Plant by 50,000 Sqft

Credit:Aurora Flight Sciences

Aurora Flight Sciences, a subsidiary of Boeing, has launched a significant expansion of its manufacturing facility near the Golden Triangle Regional Airport in Columbus, Mississippi.

This ambitious project will add 50,000 square feet of new space, renovate 40,000 square feet of the existing facility, and introduce advanced automation equipment, robotics, and non-destructive inspection technologies. mcas boeing enhancements will support the growing demand for Aurora’s aerospace systems business.

Since its establishment, Aurora Mississippi has specialized in the production of advanced composite components and assemblies for both military and commercial aircraft. The company first opened in 2005 at Mississippi State University’s Raspet Flight Research Laboratory in Starkville before relocating to its current site in Columbus two years later.

Initially occupying 21,000 square feet, the facility has since grown to encompass over 120,000 square feet, featuring cutting-edge manufacturing technologies such as automated fiber placement. Aurora’s latest expansion is a strategic investment aimed at increasing production capacity for composite components like boeing titanium used in executive jets and the MQ-25TM Stingray composite skins, a key project for its parent company, Boeing.

Additionally, the facility will produce components for NASA’s X-66 sustainable flight demonstrator aircraft, further diversifying its portfolio. Currently employing around 100 full-time staff in Mississippi, Aurora plans to hire more than 60 additional team members by the end of 2025.

Aurora’s expansion project underscores its commitment to Mississippi’s growing aerospace and advanced manufacturing sector. The company maintains strong partnerships with Mississippi State University (MSU) and East Mississippi Community College (EMCC), contributing to research, higher education, and workforce development in advanced manufacturing.

Additionally, Aurora actively supports local K-12 STEM education through summer camps and collaborates with high school vocational education programs. The expansion and renovation project will be carried out in phases over the next two years, with completion expected by 2026. This development marks a significant milestone in Aurora’s ongoing growth and its role in advancing aerospace manufacturing in Mississippi.