On October 26, Dragonair took delivery of the first of five new 747-400 Boeing Converted Freighters, taking the number of all-cargo aircraft it operates to seven.

The aircraft is due to enter service next month, in time for the peak airfreight shipments season.

"The arrival of the new freighter marks the next phase in the expansion of Dragonair's cargo operation," said CEO Kenny Tang.

"Four more 747-400 Boeing Converted Freighters are scheduled to be converted from passenger aircraft and added to our fleet by the end of 2008."

The current delivery schedule for the four other Boeing Converted Freighters is: one in December this year; two in 2007; and one in 2008.

Conversion work on the new freighter was carried out in Xiamen. Work on the second is currently under way in Singapore.

Photograph: Dragonair's first Boeing Converted Freighter at TAECO.