Cargo's growing orders.(News Updates)

Boeing says a big order for its 7E7 aircraft positions the plane as the aircraft of the future but the freight market looks more interested in the ongoing capabilities of the 747.

The manufacturer took in orders for new 747-400 freighters from China Airlines and Cargolux, along with orders for conversions from Dragonair and Nippon Cargo Airlines that will keep Boeing busy with both new and older versions of the jumbo aircraft.

The orders come as the declining value of the U.S. dollar has made American goods, including aircraft valued at around $150 million, cheaper for overseas buyers, although terms of the freighter deals were not released. Airline industry …