Cargo Executives Seek a New Midsize Freighter as 767Fs Near Retirement

Cargo executives at the Cargo Facts Symposium urged Airbus, Boeing or aircraft-conversion companies to develop a new midsize freighter to replace aircraft such as the Boeing 767F. Air Cargo News reported that LATAM Cargo CEO Andres Bianchi said the company’s 767 freighters would not meet its needs through the second half of the 2030s.

Key details

- Air Cargo News reported that LATAM Cargo operates 20 Boeing 767 freighters and could convert nine aircraft from its passenger fleet. - The report puts the 767F’s payload at roughly 50 tonnes. - Symposium participants discussed a Boeing 787 freighter, either as a purpose-built aircraft or a passenger-to-freighter conversion. Some also raised an Airbus A330neo cargo version. - Boeing said it is listening to customers and evaluating options for the medium-widebody freighter market.

LATAM Cargo operates 20 Boeing 767 freighters and could add nine more through passenger-aircraft conversions, according to Air Cargo News.

Why it matters

A new aircraft or conversion program could give cargo operators a midsize freighter option as LATAM Cargo looks beyond its 767 fleet. Air Cargo News reported that conversion-company representatives discussed the 787 concept and the value of Boeing’s involvement.

What happens next

Air Cargo News reported that a 787 passenger-to-freighter conversion would take years to develop, with demand for passenger 787s and limited availability of used aircraft also affecting conversion prospects. No program launch or service-entry date was announced.