Alaska Airlines to carry cargo in 737-900 cabins

Alaska Air Cargo is working with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to begin utilizing space in the passenger cabins of six 737-900s for cargo-only missions. If approved by the FAA, aircraft could begin carrying cargo as soon as next month. The five passenger 737-900s and 737-900ER are gradually being placed into cargo service to backfill the loss in passenger bellyhold capacity resulting from the coronavirus pandemic. At present, only the lower holds are used to store cargo. Adding space on and under seats, in overhead bins and in closets on the passenger deck will increase capacity by 13,500 pounds per flight, or around six tonnes, according to Alaska. In total, each flight could carry a total of up to 30,000 pounds, or around 14 tonnes. Alaska estimates that the passenger aircraft being placed into cargo service will make up for about 45% of the capacity lost across its passenger network, which saw flight reductions of 80% in mid-April. The passenger deck will be used to accommodate essential goods like mail, medical equipment, e-commerce packages and food. At this time, Alaska has no plans to remove seats from its passenger fleet, according to Rick Bendix, manager of marketing and business development at Alaska Airlines Cargo. In addition to the six 737-900s, the cargo fleet also includes three 737-700BDSFs. Unlike the freighter flights, cabin attendants will travel alongside cargo moving on the main deck of passenger aircraft. The development is the most recent sign that federal regulators are warming up to expanded cargo operations via passenger aircraft . Alaska Airlines, headquartered in Seattle, served more than 100 destinations and flew more than 200 million pounds of cargo in 2019. https://youtu.be/L_Xz__KymXo

Alaska Airlines to carry cargo in 737-900 cabins

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Alaska Airlines to carry cargo in 737-900 cabins

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CFC: Freighter fleet on the rise, despite COVID-19

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