ATLAS BUYS TWO B747-300

ATLAS BUYS TWO B747-300    Atlas Air, the airline that flies freighters for other airlines, has purchased two B747-300 aircraft for conversion into all-cargo configuration.
   Boeing’s Airplane Services division will convert the aircraft at its Wichita, Kan., facility for delivery in the fourth quarter this year. Boeing will make the planes standard with Atlas’ current fleet of B747-200s.
   “With the ongoing growth we are seeing in the international air cargo market, we recognize that Atlas needs additional capacity above and beyond our three new B747-400 deliveries this year,” said Michael Chowdry, chairman, chief executive officer and president. “With known customer demand for these two aircraft, we expect to place them into service following their conversion in time for this year’s peak cargo season.”