Originally Posted by
OskiBear
What makes a plane a good cargo plane versus a passenger plane?
According to Lufthansa Cargo, the MD 11F (freighter version) is the most economical and environmentally-friendly airplane on the market. It requires 25% less fuel per ton/kilometer than the Boeing 747-200F and has much lower emission rates. It is also a quiet plane, with noise levels well below the strictest sound emission regulations. The enlarged hatch and the semi-automatic loading system make it possible to load and unload cargo faster.
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[T]he third engine it has can give extra thrust and lift when operating in high temp, or in [airports] with limited [runway] length. This makes MD11 less vulnerable to payload restrictions (or the regulated maximum takeoff weight - RMTW)