Aviation

Turkish Technic Successfully Completes First Airbus A330P2F Conversion

In a groundbreaking achievement, Turkish Technic has reached a significant milestone by completing the initial metal cuts for its inaugural Airbus A330 Passenger to Freighter (P2F) conversion.

This conversion, performed in collaboration with EFW, involves the transformation of a 2000-vintage A330-300 (registration 349, ex-ULS Airline Cargo) into a freighter.Turkish Technic has taken the lead as the first Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) company to engage in direct collaboration with EFW for A330P2F conversions.

A momentous achievement!

As the first MRO company to operate as a conversion house directly collaborating with EFW for A330P2F Programme, we are pleased to announce that we have reached a major milestone in the project. Recently, our colleagues have performed the Upper Frame… pic.twitter.com/mFTTg6ct0B— Turkish Technic (@TurkishTechnic) February 1, 2024

The recent completion of the Upper Frame Shell (UFS) cut-out and the successful installation of the new UFS mark crucial progress in this conversion process, enabling the subsequent installation of the main deck cargo door. The entire conversion project is part of a series of P2F conversions and is slated for completion by mid-2024.

The demand for Passenger to Freighter conversions has witnessed a surge due to its role in extending the operational life of aging fleets. Turkish Technic, operating from its Istanbul Ataturk Airport facilities, expresses enthusiasm about undertaking the first conversion under the EFW program. The company anticipates delivering optimal performance for its customers through comprehensive structural and avionic modification capabilities.

The entry into Airbus A330P2F conversions underscores the company’s commitment to remaining at the forefront of the aviation industry by embracing new technologies and addressing market demands.

Aviation

Boeing Faces New Setbacks as 777X Delays Extend and scraps B767-300F

Boeing’s challenges continue as employees halted production due to a strike, creating new obstacles for delivering aircraft to customers. The company now faces financial losses from delays in the delivery of its boeing 777x aircraft.

Boeing recently announced that the new delivery date for the 777-9 will be in 2026, with the freighter variant scheduled for 2028. This news has been frustrating for airlines that have committed to and are waiting for the aircraft.

Mega Comparison of Boeing 777x vs A350-1000 Aircraft

The Boeing 777X program, which began in early 2019, was initially delayed to 2021 due to COVID-19 disruptions. Subsequent issues, including defects found during testing, have placed the program under scrutiny by the FAA, which insists on the aircraft meeting all safety standards before entering service. Boeing is now facing pressure from both airlines and investors.

Boeing 777x Delay

New Commercial Airplanes expects to incur pre-tax charges of $3.0 billion related to the Boeing 777X and 767 programs.

The company forecasts a $2.6 billion pre-tax charge due to the updated timeline, which accounts for delays in flight testing for the 777-9 and the impact of the IAM (International Association of Machinists) work stoppage. The first 777-9 delivery is now expected in 2026, with the 777-8 freighter following in 2028.

Exploring the Boeing 777x: Highlights from the Debut at …

In addition, Boeing plans to conclude production of the 767 freighter, resulting in a $0.4 billion pre-tax charge. From 2027 onwards, the company will solely produce the 767-2C aircraft for the KC-46A Tanker program.

In August 2024, Boeing grounded its 777X test fleet after detecting a failure in a key engine mounting structure during a routine inspection. The new boeing 777x, powered by the GE9X engine, is the world’s largest and most efficient twin-engine jet, but this issue has caused further setbacks.

Boeing 777x, A close-up of the engine, landing gear, and wing

Comparison of 777x vs A350

Meanwhile, the Airbus A350 continues to secure new orders from airlines, becoming a strong competitor in the wide-body aircraft segment. While the a350 vs b777 offer similar ranges, the 777X is designed to carry a heavier payload.

In other developments, Boeing has hinted at starting production of a new mid-sized aircraft, the Boeing 797, which would likely compete with the Airbus A321 XLR.