The FINANCIAL — Qantas Freight announced on December 6 it will increase its Tasman freighter capacity by 40 per cent from February 2011, with the deployment of a Boeing 767-300F aircraft on the route.
The leased B767-300F will also be the first Qantas Group aircraft to display a Qantas Freight-specific livery, according to Qantas.
Qantas Freight Executive Manager, Mr Stephen Cleary, said the business was introducing the new aircraft type to the route in response to continued strong market demand.
"The Tasman is one of Qantas Freight's most important markets and this investment reinforces the commitment we made when we established the freighter operation in 2009. It will provide Australian and New Zealand exporters with more dedicated capacity and even better service reliability," Mr Cleary said
"This new aircraft has a maximum payload of 59 tonnes – an increase of approximately 40 per cent over the B767-200F aircraft we previously operated on the sector."
Mr Cleary said the B767-300F was a fully featured, modern, purpose-built freighter aircraft offering numerous advantages in aircraft systems and payload capability, compared to other aircraft operating on the sector.
"The aircraft features a temperature controlled main deck and lower cargo hold compartments, large fore and aft cargo doors, power loading systems and advanced avionic systems that enhance reliability and on-time performance," he said.
"In recognition of the significant long-term commitment the Qantas Group is making to its freight operations, the aircraft will also be the to feature a Qantas Freight-specific livery featuring a plain red tail and large, stylised Qantas Freight lettering on both sides of the aircraft's window-free fuselage."
The aircraft will be operated for Qantas Freight by Express Freighters Australia (EFA), the Group's freighter management company. EFA holds its own Air Operators Certificate and currently operates four Boeing 737-300 freighter aircraft on behalf of Australian air Express.
Images of the new Qantas Freight aircraft are available on request.
Key performance data (previous aircraft versus B767-300F):
Max Takeoff Weight
767-200F: 159,210kg
767-300F: 186,880kg
Difference: 27,670kg (17%)
Payload
767-200F: ~42,000kg
767-300F: ~59,000kg
Difference: ~17,000kg (40%)
Range at Max Payload
767-200F: 5325 km
767-300F: 6000 km
Difference: 675 km (13%)
Main Deck Volume
767-200F: 270m3
767-300F: 337m3
Difference: 67 m3 (25%)
Lower Hold Volume
767-200F: 70m3
767-300F: 101.5m3
Difference: 31.5 m3 (45%)
ULD capacity
767-200F: 19
767-300F: 24
Difference: 5
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