Future of the 767F given a boost as US Senate backs emissions exemption
13 / 05 / 2024
Photo: viper-zero/ Shutterstock
Production of the Boeing 767 freighter has been given a lifeline after the US Senate approved a bill that would exempt the aircraft from stricter emissions rules.
The US is due to implement new aircraft efficiency rules from January 1 2028 which had called into question the future of the 767 freighter.
However, included in a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) funding bill approved by the US Senate on May 10 is an exemption for freighter aircraft from the rules lasting until January 1 2033.
The bill, which was passed by a vote of 88-4 on May 9, will now make its way to the House of Representatives.
Sister title FlightGlobal reports that Boeing had been considering developing a new freighter to replace the 767 as a result of the stricter emissions rules.
This potentially included a freighter version of its 787 aircraft.
The new emissions rules will align the US with the International Civil Aviation Authority and apply to aircraft manufactured after January 1 2028 no matter when those types were certified.
They would not apply to aircraft already in service.
The 767 freighter has proved popular due to its flexibility – it carries out intercontinental but doesn’t have such a large capacity that it isn’t suited to regional, or even domestic services.
The aircraft has proved particularly popular for express and e-commerce operators.
According to Boeing, more than 281 767-300Fs have been ordered since its launch in 1993.
Launch customer UPS has ordered 99 of the aircraft but the biggest customer is FedEx, with orders for 150 of the model.
The aircraft remains popular with the two express giants today – FedEx has 15 outstanding orders for the 767 and UPS 21.
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