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Longer-range 747-400 freighters soon

CLOSE on the heels of the announcement of a sonic cruiser, a faster, longer-range passenger airliner that would fly just below the sound barrier catering mainly to business passengers, the Seattle-based Boeing Company proposes to launch l onger-range 747-400 freighters. International Lease Finance Corp, a Los Angeles-based leasing company, will be the launch customer for new all-cargo version of the jumbo jet, with deliveries scheduled to begin in October 2002, according to r eports. To start with, the leasing company will acquire five planes for $1 billion, with the option to acquire five more. However, it is not clear as to whom the aircraft will be leased out to.

The new freighter, according to air cargo industry sources, will be in demand in Asia because of extra range and cargo capacity. The extra range, it is pointed out, will eliminate the need for intermediate stops on long routes between the US and Asia. Th e plane is being designed with a maximum takeoff weight of 9,10,000 pounds, which will be 35,000 pounds more than the current maximum weight. This is expected to give operators the choice of carrying additional fuel to extend the flight range by 600 mile s or loading an additional 22,000 pounds of cargo. Compared to the existing 747-400 freighters, the proposed jumbo freighters will have stronger parts like wing, fuselage and landing gear to support the extra weight. -- Our Bureau