News Content

Japan's ANA to convert more passenger planes into freighters

IN an effort to expand its cargo business Japan's All Nippon Airways (ANA) is opting to convert more of its existing passenger aircraft into freighters over the next few years, rather than buy new models such as the Boeing 777 freighter, to keep costs down in a sluggish market.

Eight out of the 11 Boeing 767 cargo airplanes in its fleet were originally passenger jets, and according to CEO Osamu Shinobe the airline could raise that total to at least 13 by converting more of its existing 767 passenger fleet, he told Reuters on the sidelines of an aviation industry event in Singapore.

According to Mr Shinobe, ANA wants to make the most out of its cargo hub in Okinawa that is situated within four hours flying time from most of Asia, enabling it to offer a next-day delivery service to many key markets on the continent, reported AsiaOne online.

He added that the carrier has also inked co-operation agreements with United Airlines and Lufthansa on cargo shipments between Japan and the United States and Europe.