The system allows containerised cargo to be carried in the lower hold of the aircraft, along with bulk-loaded bags - helping to meet growing demand for mail, parcel and e-commerce shipments.
The FLS comprises three components. The foundation of the system is the Telair EDGE Sliding Carpet – an on-board conveyer system for loading and unloading bulk cargo. This is currently installed on the 737 MAX and 737 NG and is some 40% lighter than previous designs. The FLS also features new containers designed specifically by Telair for use with the Sliding Carpet and optimised for the 737, and it includes a new powered doorway ball mat for transferring the containers to and from the Sliding Carpet and any other GSE.
The containers are weather and tamper resistant and each one can carry 880 pounds (400 kilogrammes) in weight. A 737-800 passenger or converted freighter will hold up to 11 containers in the two lower holds, while a 737-900 will hold up to 13 containers.
Commercial aviation leasing company, GECAS, will offer the new Flexible Loading System to GECAS’ 737-800 freighter conversion customers. GECAS has committed to convert 30 737-800s to freighters, with deliveries beginning in 2018.
“We are extremely excited that the system’s launch installation is on the 737, the most popular aircraft in the world,” said Anders Helmner, President and CEO of Telair International, AB, in Sweden. “The Flexible Loading System is an industry game-changer.”
The FLS product launch will take place in the second quarter of 2018, as per GECAS' commitment, with general availability expected by the 3rd Quarter of 2018.
