Freight Boeing expands 737-800BCF capacity

Together with Costa Rican MRO provider COOPESA, Boeing will develop and produce a new variant of the popular 737-800BCF freighter aircraft. Since the beginning of the pandemic, express and e-commerce markets have gained a drive for strong growth. This shows in the demand for freighter aircraft.

To meet this new demand for aircraft, Boeing has now decided to develop its 737-800BCF freighter. The manufacturer plans to open up two conversion lines with Cooperativa Autogestionaria de Servicios Aeroindustriales (COOPESA) in Alajuela, Costa Rica.

Boeing said that the first of the two conversion lines is planned to open up in early 2022, with the second one expected later that year. Over the next 20 years, Boeing forecasts, around 1,500 freighter conversions will be needed to meet the growing demand.

Jens Steinhagen, director of Boeing freighter conversions, commented: “COOPESA has demonstrated the technical expertise and commitment to quality and execution necessary to help us meet the growing customer demand for the 737-800BCF, including in the Americas […] Boeing is pleased to have COOPESA join our team of MRO partners as we deliver our market-leading converted freighters to customers around the world.”

Kenneth Waugh, CEO of COOPESA, added: “We are honored that Boeing has chosen COOPESA as a strategic partner to provide conversion services for the 737-800BCF […] We look forward to helping Boeing meet market demand with the technical quality and skilled workforce that has characterized COOPESA in its 58 years of operation.”

Right now, the aircraft manufacturer is converting aircraft on three locations, all located in China: Boeing Shanghai Aviation Services (BSAS) in Shanghai, China; Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Company Limited (GAMECO) in Guangzhou, China; and Taikoo (Shandong) Aircraft Engineering Co. Ltd. (STAECO) in Jinan, China.

Since it has entered the freighter market in 2018, Boeing has sold more than 180 orders and commitments for its 737-800BCF. 15 customers on four continents will receive the aircraft. Just recently, the manufacturer celebrated the 50th re-delivery of a 737 BCF aircraft.