Freight AEI to provide ten B737-800SF freighter conversions to Aero Capital Solutions

Freight conversion company Aeronautical Engineers has released, that it has been awarded a contract to provide mid-life lessor company Aero Capital Solutions with ten additional Boeing 737-800SF freighter conversions.

In October last year, AEI announced a first contract between the two companies for the conversion of four B737-800SFs. Once this order is fulfilled, ACS will have converted a total of fourteen B737-800 aircraft through the AEI program.

AEI stated, that the first of the additional 10 aircraft will commence modification in June 2021. The conversion will be performed by HAECO in Xiamen. The second aircraft will be converted at STAECO in July next year, while the eight remaining aircraft will alternate between the two production lines. The final aircraft is expected to be converted in September 2022.

This latest commitment by the leasing company underlines their ambitions for the freight market in the future. Especially during COVID-19 times, several airlines and companies have invested in new freighter aircraft.

The AEI Boeing 737-800SF offers payload for up to 52,700 lbs (23,904 kg) and includes eleven full height container positions for a maximum of capacity. Also, an additional position of an AEP or AEH is available.

"AEI’s forward-thinking design allows for containers to be loaded into the aircraft a full 16.5” aft of the forward door jamb, ensuring ground operators have sufficient maneuvering room which minimizes potential door and aircraft strikes. Additionally, the AEI B737-800SF includes a flexible Ancra Cargo Loading System, a rigid 9g barrier, five supernumerary seats as standard, a galley, and full lavatory," AEI commented.

Aeronautical Engineers is a globally leading company in the passenger-to-freighter aircraft conversion branch. The company was founded in 1958 and has since then received over 130 Supplemental Type Certificates and delivered over 500 converted aircraft.