Boeing And ST Aero Deliver First MD-11 Freighter To UPS

Today Boeing and Singapore Technologies Aerospace Ltd (ST Aero), the aerospace arm of Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd (ST Engg), delivered the first MD-11 converted freighter to United Parcel Service (UPS) in Louisville, Ky.

“In the coming years, the MD-11 will be the primary aircraft flying our international trunk routes, and it will be the centerpiece in our drive to enable global commerce,” said Bob Lekites, vice president – UPS Airlines.

UPS is the world’s largest package delivery company serving more than 200 countries and territories worldwide.

The airplane is the first of 13 MD-11s that Boeing will acquire and convert from a passenger airplane to a freighter for UPS. ST Aero’s subsidiary, SASCO, has been selected by Boeing to perform the conversion work.

The agreement between Boeing and UPS also includes options for 22 additional MD-11s.

“Given the very challenging ramp-up and aggressive turnaround time, the redelivery of the MD-11 is a landmark achievement for ST Aero, Boeing and UPS,” said Tay Kok Khiang, president of ST Aero. “ST Aero will continue to leverage on our ability to provide global support to bring greater value to Boeing and UPS.” .

ST Aero successfully completed the entire conversion program -- design, conversion and maintenance -- in less than 12 months. Another two airplanes are being converted in Paya Lebar, Singapore, and are scheduled for redelivery to UPS by the end of October 2001.

“ST Aero has done outstanding work on this program,” said Bob Avery, president of Boeing Airplane Services. “It demonstrates how Boeing’s technical knowledge and expertise can pull together industry resources to provide solutions for our customers.”

Boeing Airplane Services provides a full range of total service solutions for the world's passenger and cargo airlines. Passenger-to- freighter modification involves primarily the removal of the passenger furnishings, installation of a main deck cargo door and cargo handling system.