Tinpusher007

Bombardier has launched the CRJ200 Package Freighter with an order for 2 from West Air Europe. I wonder if this would fit into Airnet's fleet plans to replace their ageing Lear 35's.

West Air Europe To Acquire First Bombardier CRJ200 Aircraft For Cargo Operations

Toronto, August 03, 2006

- Bombardier Aerospace Launches Package Freighter Program

Bombardier Aerospace today announced that West Air Europe of Gothenburg, Sweden has signed a contract to acquire two previously owned Bombardier CRJ200 regional jets for conversion to an all-cargo configuration. Bombardier Aerospace has simultaneously launched the CRJ200 PF (Package Freighter) program.

West Air Europe, Sweden’s largest air freight carrier, currently operates scheduled and charter small package and airmail services within Sweden and to other points in Europe. Its current fleet is comprised of 17 turboprops.

“We require the Bombardier CRJ200 PF aircraft to fulfill specific customer demands for higher than turboprop speeds on routes of more than 575 miles (925 km),” said Gustaf Thureborn, President, West Air Europe. “So we are pleased to place this order with Bombardier. It is confirmation of our mission to meet the demand for efficient freight transportation with a customized aircraft fleet.”

“The CRJ200 PF aircraft allows direct flights on longer, thin routes that are currently flown by larger aircraft,” said Rod Sheridan, Vice-President, Asset Management, Bombardier Regional Aircraft. Since the introduction of the concept, considerable interest has been expressed by many prospective customers.”

In the all-cargo configuration, the CRJ200 PF aircraft will have a cargo volume of approximately 1,700 cubic ft. (48.2 cubic m) and 14,000 pounds (6,350 kg). Maximum take-off weight will be 53,000 pounds (24,040 kg), the same as the high gross weight version of the CRJ200 aircraft.

About Bombardier
A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from regional aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2006, were $14.7 billion US and its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). News and information are available at www.bombardier.com.

Bombardier and CRJ200 are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.

For information
Marc Holloran
Bombardier Aerospace
(416) 375-3030
www.bombardier.com

FlyerJosh

The CRJ doesn't really seem like that great an aircraft for cargo configuration, but there certainly is a surplus of airframes out there that could be retrofitted...

PSAChiefPilots

Rumor has it that the 200 was originally designed for Fed Ex in the early 90's,
At least that's the rumor!
PSACPSP

NJA Capt

Close....It was the Canadair Challenger 600, the early 80s. FedEx was supposed to be the launch customer but it never worked out. Bombardier and the 200 were long after. The original 600s have a canopy style entry door (for FedEx), afterward the airstair door became standard. I saw one with this door recently.

http://www.airliners.net/open.file/1038470/M/
http://www.airliners.net/open.file/0691706/M/
Accident photo below, but a close up of the door...
http://www.jetphotos.net/viewphoto.php?id=440367

PSAChiefPilots

I stand corrected, THX!
PSACPSP

atpwannabe

If this rumor did turn out to be true and FedEx acquired some 700's & 900's, I wonder what would be the pay rate for the Capt. & FO?


atp

FlyerJosh

Fedex isn't going to get 700s or 900s - I haven't even heard a rumor of that. However the initial Challenger jet was designed for fedex as a replacement for the Falcons (which Federal Express operated back in the day). However due to deregulation, they chose a different aircraft instead of the CL600s.

It will be interesting to see if any other operators choose to convert passenger CRJs to cargo... I just don't think that it's that great a fit given the operating and acquisition costs.