Eastern Airlines to embrace cargo
Almost one year after indicating first plans for entering the cargo business, Eastern Airlines has secured the acquisition of 35 B777 aircraft as feedstock for the first-ever P2F (passenger to freighter) conversion of the B777 aircraft into "a true, Class-E cargo aircraft".
The Eastern B777 express freighter, due to enter service in Q1/2022, is designed to serve the e-commerce express freight market, mainly between Asia and USA. Accelerated growth of this market has created excess demand for the service.
The innovative design converts the main deck cabin of the widebody B777, the -200, -200ER and -300 series, into a true cargo aircraft. This allows the entire volume of the main deck cabin to hold low-density, express freight cargo.
Steve Harfst, president and CEO: "This move is not just a game changer for Eastern, it will also transform the industry." (ah)