BAE Systems Regional Aircraft considering Avro RJ freighter conversion programme

BAE Systems Regional Aircraft stated (10-Aug-2016) it is working towards the possible launch of a passenger-to-freighter conversion programme for the Avro RJ aircraft and is seeking customer feedback to help assess market potential. The proposed conversion would be available from the end of 2017 and would offer capacity of up to 14 tonnes. Based on experience gained with the BAe 146QT freighter, the company developed a full OEM-designed specification for the RJ freighter. The principal variant for conversion would be RJ100 aircraft, which are coming out of passenger service and will be available over the next few years. Such aircraft can typically be purchased for USD1 million to USD1.5 million and the freighter kit and conversion would cost between USD2.2 million and USD2.8 million. The company will have a strategic MRO partner, which will provide the conversion or working party support solution. Typical lead time from contract will be nine to 12 months and conversion time will be around three months. [more - original PR]