Avion Group orders four 777 freighters

Avion Group orders four 777 freighters    Iceland’s Avion Group has placed an order for four 777 freighter aircraft, and purchase rights for two additional 777 freighters.
   The first of the planes are scheduled for delivery in February 2009. The aircraft will be operated by Avion Group subsidiary Air Atlanta Icelandic.
   Boeing also said it is in negotiations with the Avion Group regarding the conversion of three existing Air Atlanta Icelandic 747-400 passenger airplanes into 747-400 BCF (Boeing Converted Freighter) models.
   The combined value of the four 777 Freighters and the three 747-400 BCFs at list prices is approximately $1 billion, Boeing said.
   The Avion Group is the second customer to finalize an order for the 777 Freighter, following Air France’s order in May.
   The 777 freighter will be capable of flying 4,965 nautical miles (9,195 kilometers) with a full payload. With a maximum takeoff weight of 766,000 pounds (347 metric tons), the 777 freighter will have a revenue payload capability of 229,000 pounds (103 metric tons).