Services Spotlight

Our specialised Quick-Action-Team (QAT) is on standby 24/7. In times of Aircraft-On-Ground (AOG) situations, you can rely on our QAT to provide swift support through our strong network in the region. More

Passenger-to-Freighter (PTF) Conversion

SIAEC is among the first in the world to acquire the capability to convert a B747-400 into a B747-400 freighter aircraft. The PTF conversion service is an outstanding example of how we have adapted and adopted new skill sets to expand and enhance our suite of MRO services. With a dedicated hangar and maintenance line, SIAEC is poised to tap the growing global market for conversions.

Why Passenger-to-Freighter?

One way to extend the economic life of an aircraft is to convert the passenger aircraft into a cargo aircraft. The B747-400 passenger aircraft is considered a good potential for conversion, with its favourable payload and range. Compared to a production freighter B747-400F, the payload performance is similar. Economically, this translates to savings for cargo airline customers.

What is in a Passenger-to-Freighter conversion?

The PTF conversion process involves extensive structural work including strengthening of the floor, frames, door cut-out and installation of a new cargo door and surround.

The strengthening of the main deck floor requires a change of the entire floor beams to stronger beams to withstand heavier cargo loads. There are 2 methods to change the floor beams:

  1. Stick build method - which is to change the floor beams in situ
  2. Grid build method - which is to build up the floor grids for certain sections (sections 42 and 46) and then load them onto the aircraft through the side cargo door cut-out

Apart from the heavy structure work, there are also extensive wiring changes. Other system changes are made to the Environmental Control System, smoke detection and flight controls among others.

When the main PTF work is completed, buyer furnished equipment such as the cargo handling system, the upper deck galleys and seats will be installed. Once the functional tests are completed, the aircraft will be ready to go.