Boeing will use three Large Cargo Freighters as the primary means of transporting major 787 assemblies to its Everett, Wash., final assembly site from partners around the world. "We thrive on the challenge of transporting unusual cargo," said Brian Bauer, president of EIA. "Operating these amazing airplanes for Boeing is a unique opportunity and we're proud to play a role in the development of the 787."
The 747s are being modified at Evergreen Aviation Technologies Corp., in Taipei, Taiwan. Modification of the first airplane began last June and is progressing well. The upper fuselage and interior structure have been completely removed to make way for the build-up of the airplane with its enlarged upper fuselage. This assembly began earlier this month with the installation of an all-new pressure bulkhead. The second airplane was inducted for modification in October. First flight is scheduled for mid-2006 followed by flight test and certification. The first LCFs will enter service in 2007 in support of Dreamliner production.
Evergreen International Airlines is one of several subsidiaries of Evergreen International Aviation, Inc., based in McMinnville, Ore., a privately-held global aviation services company.
