In accordance with economic needs, demand for cargo flights and optimization of resources in times of pandemic, LATAM Cargo made the decision at the beginning of this year to convene Avianor in order to work in the interior of three Boeing 767-300 and obtain the certification of temporary modifications as a freighter.
The works were carried out at LATAM´s facilities in Santiago de Chile, with the provision of materials and instructions by Avianor. Then, through a virtual tour, they were validated in correspondence with the STC (Supplemental Type Certificate) that Avianor has by the Canadian aeronautical authority (Transport Canada Civil Aviation), while the validation is progressing before the Federal Aviation Administration from the United States.
“We are proud to partner with LATAM Cargo on our first temporary cargo modification on the Boeing 767, a cost-effective alternative solution to maintain operations and generate revenue. The return on investment is so fast that it makes it the perfect solution. Our goal is to continually support and respond to the needs of airlines around the world with our effective cargo conversion solution,» said Marie-Christine Huberdeau, Vice President of Interior Sales at Avianor.
«The conversion of these aircraft was in record time, taking into account the pandemic and the entire current context. The pace of work allows 3 aircraft to be converted in less than 3 months. Work is being done to improve the payload in the main cabin» added Kamal Hadad, Director of Network and Alliances of LATAM Cargo.
This solution allows the airline to increase its cargo capacity quickly while moving in parallel with the permanent modification of 10 Boeing 767-300s from passengers to freighters, expecting to reach 21 aircraft of this type by the end of 2023.
Avianor is based at the Montreal-Mirabel International Airport (YMX) and has more than 25 years of experience in the area of MRO and cabin interiors for commercial and military aircraft. Its 250,000-square-foot (23,000 m2) facility employs around 350 employees. It is part of the DRAKKAR Aerospace & Ground Transportation.