[naviga:h3]Passenger plane converted for cargo[/naviga:h3]

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The first-ever passenger plane to be converted for cargo use was unveiled Monday in Alaska.

The fleet of three 737-700s will be used mostly in the nation’s largest state that has few roads. The planes will deliver items such as seafood and groceries — and even live animals — to rural Alaska communities.

Alaska Airlines’ cargo director Jason Berry said it cost about $15 million to convert the airlines’ former passenger planes.

The cargo jets spell an end for Alaska Airlines’ unique combi planes, 737-400s configured specifically for Alaska. The jets carry 72 passengers in the back of the plane, while cargo is loaded into the middle, between the cockpit and passenger cabin.

It was an efficient way to move people and goods to rural communities. The last combi flight is scheduled Oct. 18.

[naviga:h3]Nissan recalls cars sold in Japan[/naviga:h3]

TOKYO — Nissan is recalling 1.2 million vehicles in Japan that were produced between October 2014 and September this year to re-inspect them because they had not gone through the final checks.

Japanese automaker Nissan Motor Co. said Monday that a team, including an independent third party, was investigating the cause of the oversight and promised to prevent a recurrence. The problem does not affect Nissan vehicles sold outside Japan.

The failure is not believed to have affected vehicle safety as they were final-stage checks, according to the Yokohama-based maker of the March subcompact, Leaf electric car and Infiniti luxury models.

Nissan Chief Executive Hiroto Saikawa told reporters the oversight occurred at all six Nissan plants in Japan. He acknowledged not enough had been done to ensure inspection staff were aware of inspection requirements.

He estimated the recalls and re-inspections would cost Nissan about $222 million, but stressed final costs were still unclear.