Alaska Air Cargo has become the North American launch customer for HAECO Cabin Solutions’ new in-seat package stowage system. The FAA-approved system allows full use of a passenger aircraft in a cargo-only configuration.

The interior package stowage containers will allow Alaska Air Cargo to fill the main cabin passenger seats with an additional 13,500 pounds of cargo on top of what a passenger-only cargo flight can carry, HAECO said.

“Our teams have been working since spring to identify the safest and most effective processes to increase our cargo capacity,” said Alaska Air Cargo’s managing director Torque Zubeck.

“HAECO’s design will allow us to maximise the available space, increase our cargo capacity and protect the supply chain by connecting critical cargo to the communities we serve during this public health crisis.”

In addition to Alaska Air Cargo’s three dedicated freighters, one 737-900 passenger aircraft is being utilised as a cargo-only aircraft. Each flight will carry up to 30,000 pounds, which includes belly capacity.

HAECO Cabin Solutions’ president and group director Doug Rasmussen commented: “We are pleased with the continued partnership we have with Alaska Airlines, having performed heavy maintenance and reconfiguration work to them for over a decade.

“We are delighted that we can also offer a quick, cost-effective solution to maximise cargo yields in their passenger cabins during this challenging time.”