BAE Systems is again promoting its used BAe 146 four-engine jet in the freighter role. BAE said that conversion of the BAe 146 regional jetliner is "gathering momentum," promoted by specialist conversion houses to meet strong anticipated demand for a 10- to 12-ton freighter. Advantages of the BAe 146 are its ability to meet projected Stage 4 noise limits and a low residual value that support the economics of conversion, the company said.

The initial BAe 146 freighter conversion STC (supplemental type certificate) was obtained by Pemco World Air Services in Dothan, Ala., back in the 1980s. That company converted around 30 aircraft into the BAE 146QT (Quiet Trader). All of those aircraft are still in service, the majority being operated by TNT Express in Europe. Pemco is currently assessing the economics of re-entering the BAe 146QT conversion market for used aircraft. BAE Systems said that an announcement is expected soon.

Cranfield Aerospace in the U.K. has received engineering data packs from BAE to enable the company to convert the BAe 146 into freighters. Current plans call for the first converted aircraft to be available next January.

BAE said that it has marketing agreements in place with both conversion houses.

>>Contact: David Dorman, tel (in the UK): 44-1582-488336, e-mail: ddaviddorman@aol.com<<