Volga Dnepr Group’s AirBridgeCargo Airlines (ABC) is to have a Boeing 737-400 converted by conversion specialist Aeronautical Engineers (AEI) following an agreement with Boeing Shanghai Aviation Services.

The aircraft is to be redelivered in the first quarter of 2015. It arrived at Boeing Shanghai at the end of November for a C check, an extensive examination of its systems and components. According to the US aircraft maker, the agreement makes Volga Dnepr Group the first Boeing Shanghai customer for this type of service from the central Asia region.

ABC executive president, Denis Ilin, says: “We are glad to start working with Boeing Shanghai and regard this as a start to our future mutual beneficial cooperation.”

Aeronautical Engineers will carry out the conversion under a supplemental type certificate. Boeing Shanghai has successfully completed five 737 freighter conversions for two other customers.

Boeing Shanghai chief executive officer, Dermot Swan, says: “Volga Dnepr Group is a valuable customer for Boeing Shanghai to expand 737 PTF [passenger to freighter] conversion business in Russia market. We are delighted to cooperate with AEI again for this modification. We look forward to long-term relationships with Volga Dnepr Group and AEI.”