There
is often the need to use freighter airline services to carry oversize
crates but beware – not all freighters are the same!
A freighter is not just a freighter. There are a variety of aircraft
used as freighters and they are all different.
Currently there are two main types of freighter aircraft being
used by commercial airlines – the 747 Freighter and the
MD11 Freighter and the introduction of the Airbus A-380 may add
a third aircraft
to the list. The capacity of the two aircraft currently in service
is dramatically different.
The 747 Freighter and the 747 Combi has an upper deck door opening
of 120 inches / 304 cm and lower deck of 64 inches / 163 cm.
The MD-11 has an upper deck door opening of only 96 inches/244
CMS. That is 24 inches / 60 cm lower than the 747 and does not
allow access for many larger crates.
The 747s have been the main freighter aircraft for most commercial
airlines for many years. Unfortunately the 747 does not always
compare favorably with the MD-11 when considering fuel efficiency
and load capacity. With the increase in world fuel prices many
airlines are downsizing to MD-11’s.
COURIERS
On a related note, Couriers may not be able to travel on MD-11
aircraft due to space restrictions – so the change from
747 Freighters to MD-11 freighters will impact on the ability
to have Couriers travel on
the same flight as your precious cargo.
Your agent may book your shipments well in advance but it is important
to check a couple of weeks before the flight to make sure there
is no aircraft change. They will double check again closer to
the flight date to ensure that the aircraft is able to handle
your cargo. Late changes can be costly and embarrassing –
but they are out of your agent’s control !
