Subj : Re: Used Boeing 747-8s are converted to busi
To   : Rug Rat
From : Aviation HQ
Date : Mon Oct 20 2025 13:59:04

RR> The FAA will not certify additional Combi's without a fixed bulkhead and
RR> integrated fire supression, which other combi's like the 737, 747 did not
RR> have.  Protocol for fighting a cargo file on a combi was to have the
RR> cabin crew fight it with portable fire extinguishers.  (This came about
RR> after the South African Airways fire..)..
 
While you are correct on the South African crash, noteworthy is that it was a 747-200 and subsequently the fire-fighting capabilities in the 747-400 combi's, like they were flown by e.g. KLM, were upgraded. The bulkhead? yes ... that would have been very tricky ...
 
Nevertheless. the FAA remainded opposed to their usage, not out of safety concern.
 
As a noteworthy addition, during the Covid19 pandemic KLM was flying full-pax 747s between China and the Netherlands to transport large quantities of medical supplies ... without passengers. The supplies were also stored in the passenger cabin. As a result the full cabin crew was on board just in case of fires.
 
And Delta flying daily four passenger 767s into Brussels to collect the Covid vaccines which were produced by Pfizer in Puurs (Belgium), also flew with no passengers and a full cabin crew for safety.

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

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