MIAMI, FL., — February 28, 2013 — Aeronautical Engineers, Inc. (AEI), is pleased to announce that it has formally launched a Passenger to Freighter Conversion Program for Bombardier’s CRJ100* and CRJ200* aircraft. The program has been studied for over a year and the aircraft will be marketed as CRJ100 and CRJ200 Special Freighter (SF) aircraft. The program development costs are being fully funded by AEI. The modification touch labor will be performed at AEI’s leading Authorized Conversion Center, Commercial Jet, which is located at the Miami International Airport.

In connection with the launch of the CRJ100 and CRJ200 SF aircraft program, AEI has become a Bombardier licensed Third Party Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) Provider and plans to make the conversion available to its worldwide network of Authorized Conversion Centers upon issuance of the STC by the FAA. AEI expects the initial certification to take two years and plans to certify the program with the FAA, Transport Canada, EASA, CAAC and Russian authorities.

Mr. Robert T. Convey, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, stated that “As with many successful freighter conversion programs in the past, the CRJ100 and CRJ200 aircraft have now entered the Zone of Conversion. This means that the oldest CRJ100 and CRJ200 aircraft can be acquired at a cost that is conducive to conversion.” He goes onto say: “With jet-speed advantages and superior economics, the CRJ100 and CRJ200 aircraft’s proven robust commercial platform will set a new standard for regional freighters worldwide.”

The CRJ100/CRJ200 SF aircraft will provide operators with a freighter capable of hauling a maximum payload of 6.7 tonnes. The freighter will come equipped with an Ancra cargo loading system capable of hauling pallets, containers or bulk loaded material. The Main Deck Cargo Door will be 94" (2.39 m) wide by 77" (1.96 m) high and feature AEI’s proven hydraulic actuation and latching systems which have been installed on more than 375 freighters.

Additional preliminary features for the CRJ100/CRJ200 SF aircraft include;
Up to 6.7 tonne payload
Total cabin volume of 1,864 cu. ft. (52.8 cu m)
10,000 lb (4 536 kg) payload can be flown 1,735 nm
15,000 lb (6 804 kg) payload can be flown 800 nm
Dual vent door system
Rigid 9G barrier
Main deck converted to Class “E” Cargo Compartment
Cabin windows replaced with lightweight aluminum window plugs