Qantas to covert four 737-300’s into freighters

Qantas to covert four 737-300’s into freighters    Qantas said Monday it will convert four Boeing 737-300 aircraft to freighters for its jointly owned domestic freight operator Australian air Express.
   The B737-300 aircraft have been utilized by the Qantas Group’s New Zealand operation. The conversion work will start next month and be completed by January 2007, with the aircraft being delivered to Australian air Express as they are completed from August this year.
   The airline said this is the first jet freighter conversion work ever to be undertaken in Australia. The company has established a new operation employing 60 new staff to undertake the work at its facility in Avalon, Victoria. The new unit will utilize conversion kits developed by Israel Aircraft Industries’ Bedek Aviation division.
   Australian air Express is owned jointly by Qantas and Australia Post.