Boeing, EGAT put wings on world's first large cargo freighter

This article was published by the Taiwan Headlines on September 6, 2006. It reports that Taiwan's Evergreen Aviation Technologies Cooperation (EGAT) and the Boeing Co. of the United States recently unveiled the first of three Boeing 747-400 Large Cargo Freighters (LCF) modified to exacting specifications to transport giant-sized Boeing 787 "dreamliner" assemblages.

EGAT is a subsidiary of the Evergreen Group, one of the largest transportation conglomerates in Taiwan. Meanwhile, Boeing is currently the world's largest commercial aircraft maker.

Boeing selected EGAT to perform the specialized aircraft conversions and work began in 2005. According to Boeing, the three aircrafts will be fully converted in 2007.

"It's hard to believe it's been only 18 months since we announced that EGAT would modify this unique fleet of airplanes," says Scott Strode, vice-president of airplane development and production for the 787 "Dreamliner" program under Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "This team has set a new standard for partnership, performance and achievement while working to a very aggressive schedule. It's difficult to overstate the important role the LCF plays in the 787's success. Transporting the large composite structures by air is the foundation of the lean global production system we've designed for the 787."

According to Strode, the competition for the specialized airframe conversion assignment was stiff and included selected leaders from the world's aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) industry. EGAT's success with the work establishes it as a global MRO player, and creates a springboard into the aircraft conversion market for Taiwan's burgeoning aviation industry.

Meanwhile, EGAT started building the second LCF in late 2005 and so far 65 percent of the conversion has been completed. The third one is expected to be modified in 2007. EGAT is confident of completing the remaining work and will continue working closely with Boeing to ensure the program works without a glitch.