Projections that the capacity shortage in air cargo could last into next year and beyond are prompting some passenger airlines to spend money removing seats to make room for more boxes of goods.
Recent reconfigurations are taking place in Asia, with Korean Air the latest to take the plunge.
About 150 aircraft around the world have had their seats completely removed to increase cargo volume, Glyn Hughes, global head of cargo for the International Air Transport Association said Wednesday during a media briefing.
Most reconfigurations involve widebody aircraft typically deployed on long-haul international routes, including a couple of Airbus A380 super jumbo jets. But a significant number of single-aisle Airbus A321s have also been modified for floor-loading cargo in the cabin, enabling them to carry 20 to 25 tons of cargo, he added.
Last month, for example, Singapore budget carrier Scoot began operating the first of two smaller jets with seats removed on short-haul cargo routes.
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