Singapore Airlines Cargo Pte Ltd. Selects UTC Aerospace Systems for Freighter Common Turntables

UTC Aerospace Systems has been selected by Singapore Airlines Cargo Pte Ltd. to deliver Freighter Common Turntables for their Boeing 747-400 freighters, installed with Legacy Goodrich Power Drive Units. UTC Aerospace Systems is a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).

The Freighter Common Turntable (FCT) utilizes new technologies to enhance cargo loading and unloading while increasing commercial revenue flight time. This is achieved through the FCT's ability to steer, brake, stop and drive cargo, all in one package.

"The Freighter Common Turntable is a remarkable technology that eases maintenance requirements, meets the latest safety standards and helps operators achieve fuel cost savings," said Mike Wagner, director of Aftermarket for UTC Aerospace Systems Interiors. "The new technology replaces aging power drive units and is equipped to support on-aircraft maintenance, which eliminates the need for ground service repair on these units."

The Freighter Common Turntable benefits original equipment manufacturers and passenger-to-freighter conversion providers by offering weight reductions as well as cost savings for maintenance and inventory. A primary feature of the retrofit kit is the ability to change the FCT's tire on-aircraft in less than 15 minutes.

"Weight and operating hours continue to be determining factors in developing new aircraft systems. Depending on the aircraft, providers can see more than 200 pounds in weight savings and 25,000 hours mean time between unscheduled removals with our Freighter Common Turntable," said Wagner. "This is significant as both weight savings and operating hours contribute to the operating costs of an aircraft."