Subj : Re: Used Boeing 747-8s are converted to busi
To   : Rug Rat
From : Aviation HQ
Date : Sun Oct 19 2025 14:08:37

RR> The B747 was actually designed from the ground up to be converted into a
RR> freighter.
 
The B747-concept actually was for a freighter for the US military and then adapted for civilian use when Lockheed won the contract, becoming a game changer, before primarily becoming a freighter ... again ... a role which suits it very well.
 
RR> While airbus did initially offer a Freighter version, they ran into a
RR> problem of underengineering the floor of the second story, so it could
RR> not be used to carry freight.
 
That is correct and is the issue with "any" adaptation from passenger to freighter.
 
The real issue with the A380 is that, even with a strenghtened floor, there is not enough vertical space to accomodate two standard-sized pallets/containers side-by-side in the top cabin.
 
But ... interesting 'but' ... The A380 could be converted to handle cargo on its main deck and passengers on the upper ... a mixed-freighter. The problem however is that the FAA does not allow any new mixed-freighter operations anymore like for example KLM operated on its EHAM-KLAX route successfully. Too much opposition from US freighter companies, especially Atlas. KLM was interested in a mixed-version of the 777 and that never came to be for that reason.

--- DB4 - 20230201
 * Origin: AVIATION ECHO HQ (2:292/854)

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