GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) says it is planning to convert a further 30 Boeing 737-800s into freighters.
The aircraft lessor launched the 737-800 Freighter program with Aeronautical Engineers (AEI) in 2015 and Boeing in 2016. Since then it has provided each program with a prototype aircraft for modification at separate conversion facilities in Miami and Shanghai.
All the feedstock aircraft will come from GECAS’ existing portfolio and converted when the aircraft end their current passenger leases from 2018 onward. GECAS currently owns approximately 220 passenger 737-800s that are distributed across 25 countries.
The ASL Group and West Atlantic Group have already become GECAS customers for the 737-800 Freighter with deliveries occurring from the beginning of 2018 through 2019.
“We believe the 737-800 freighter will become an important express freighter for the 20-25 tonne air cargo market. GECAS looks forward to supporting operators to meet the demand from this sector,” says senior vice president and manager of cargo, Richard Greener.
The Next-Generation 737-800F will be equipped with CFM56-7B engines, carry up to 23.9 tonnes of cargo with 12 main deck positions over 2,000 nautical miles.
