Boeing is to convert three B767 passenger airplanes into Boeing Converted Freighters (BCF) for US parcels giant UPS.
Boeing's current market outlook forecasts a need for 400 widebody conversions over the next two decades, with strong demand for B767 freighter conversions due to a rise in e-commerce and the express market.
In April this year, UPS confirmed that it had bought three B767-300ERs for conversion.
UPS Airlines President Brendan Canavan, announcing the order on the first day of the 2017 Paris Air Show, said: "The purchase and conversion of these B767s is a perfect example of how UPS is making smart investments to fuel profitable growth. This extension of our relationship with Boeing will help expand the safe, reliable and on-time services we provide for our customers all over the world."
UPS and Boeing have collaborated on airlift since 1981, when UPS purchased its first Boeing 727s to begin its Next Day Air operation, and the transportation giant was Boeing's launch customer for the B767 freighter in 1995.
Stan Deal, president and chief executive, Boeing Global Services, said: "With more than 40 years of experience in passenger-to-freighter conversions, Boeing has a deep understanding of the needs of the air cargo industry. This order is an endorsement of the value of that knowledge and the customer service experience we provide."
UPS operates 184 Boeing aircraft. In October, 2016 UPS announced the purchase of 14 Boeing 747-8 freighters, with options to purchase 14 additional aircraft.
