Cargo Connections

Q: How close are the new freighters?

A: Final test flights are done! And we believe we have everything we need for certification. We are hopeful that the first freighter conversion will be operational in the U.S. in a few short weeks.

Q: Are all the flight tests completed?

A: Yes. And because this is the first conversion of its kind, it took a bit longer than we anticipated. There were 17 test flights. We’ve definitely paved the way for anyone that wants to convert a 737-700 from a passenger jet into a freighter.

We are over the major hurdles, are finishing paperwork and can’t wait to get these planes into service!

Q: What kind of tests were done?

A: Because this is a highly modified aircraft, a 9G barrier was installed between the crew and the cargo area. These types of structural changes require significant testing. We also moved the static port (which measures altitude and other flight-specific characteristics), to accommodate the installation of the main deck cargo door.

Q: What does Alaska do with the plane once it’s back in the U.S.?

A: It will fly from Tel Aviv to Shannon, Ireland, to Bangor, Maine, and then to Greensboro, NC for a maintenance check. Our team will make some post-delivery modifications and then paint it with our new air cargo livery prior to the aircraft entering commercial service.

Q: When will the next two freighters be ready?

A: The second aircraft is already in Tel Aviv and has begun the conversion process with the third aircraft due to be flown to Israel later in the third quarter.

Q: What routes will the first freighter fly?

A: It will primarily fly in Southeast Alaska, with flights extending to the Arctic and also Seattle. Summer is heavy fish season, so we expect additional drop-ins for the seafood industry. When the second and third freighters come, we will begin to add more service to our 2018 schedule.

Q: Are you retiring the famous Alaska combi planes?

A: Yes. The combis are unique airplanes, and their impact on Alaska has been significant. There are only five of them, but they have done quite a bit of flying throughout the state and have been fixtures in many Alaskan communities.

This is a transformation for Alaska Air Cargo and Alaska Airlines. With the combis, passengers and cargo have flown together. But we’re now becoming a stand-alone freighter operation. By having both a passenger and cargo airline, we can better serve both customers.

Q: What do the freighters provide that the combis don’t?

A: More capacity. We still are going to have access to belly cargo on passenger flights, but for those shipping high volume, we will have additional freighter flights and a more consistent and reliable schedule.

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