Telair International has received certification for its Flexible Loading System (FLS) for all production and in-service Boeing 737s, allowing operators to carry containerised cargo in the lower hold of the aircraft.
The FLS includes three components: the Telair EDGE Sliding Carpet, an on-board conveyor system for loading and unloading bulk cargo, currently installed on the 737 MAX and is about 40 per cent lighter than existing variants; new containers specifically designed by Telair for use with the Sliding Carpet; and a new powered doorway ball mat for transferring the containers on and off the Sliding Carpet, to and from standard ground handling equipment.
Telair International president and chief executive officer, Anders Helmner says: “Telair will work with GECAS and GECAS’ customers to install the system in the second quarter of 2018. We are extremely excited that the system’s launch installation is on the 737, the most popular aircraft in the world. The Flexible Loading System is an industry game-changer.”
Aircraft lessor GECAS will offer the FLS to 737-800 freighter conversion customers on aircraft entering service this year.
GECAS senior vice president & manager – Cargo Aircraft Group, Richard Greener says: “This system improves loading efficiency and adds flexibility, especially for Combination, Express and Ecommerce operators. The new system enables them to interline the Telair containers and reduce bulk loading times.
“The Flexible Loading System allows Telair’s containers to be preloaded and screened at the cargo sort facility and brought on board the aircraft using existing bulk loading equipment.”
