AEI receives EASA approval for freighter conversion

October 16, 2015

Aeronautical Engineers (AEI) has received EASA approval with a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the MD-80SF freighter conversion.

The original Federal Aviation Administration STC for the MD-80SF was received in February of 2013. AEI is the only conversion company that offers the industry a freighter conversion for the MD-80 series aircraft.

AEI’s vice president of operations, David McDonald, says: “We began the approval process with EASA several months ago and everything progressed smoothly and as planned.”

The AEI MD-80SF comes with an Ancra Cargo Loading System capable of carrying 12 containers and depending upon the particular aircraft model, has a main deck payload capability of up to 46,600 pounds (21,137 tonnes).

When combined with proven reliability, the AEI says the converted MD-80SF allows AEI customers to keep their aircraft – “In the air, generating revenue.”

James Graham

James Graham is an award-winning transport media journalist with a long background in the commercial freight sector, including commercial aviation and the aviation supply chain. He was the initial Air Cargo Week journalist and retuned later for a stint as editor. He continues his association as editor of the monthly supplements. He has reported for the newspaper from global locations as well as the UK.