Freight Boeing to add two new conversion lines in China with STAECO

U.S.-American aircraft manufacturer Boeing has reacted to a continued strong demand for freighter aircraft by announcing the establishment of two additional conversion lines in Jinan, China. Together with Taikoo Aircraft Engineering Co. Ltd. (STAECO), the manufacturer released plans to create new capacity by two new conversion lines for the 737-800BCF (Boeing Converted Freighter).

In cooperation with STAECO, the two conversion lines will be added in the coming year. The first line is expected to open in the first quarter of 2022, while the second could follow to be operational by midyear.

With the new conversion lines in operation, STAECO will have a total of seven conversion lines for the 737-800BCF in place. This shows the strong demand in the Asian market for the converted 737 aircraft.

Peter Gao, vice president, Boeing Commercial Sales and Marketing for China, commented: “Boeing is pleased to continue growing our strong and mutually beneficial relationship with STAECO by creating additional conversion capacity to meet growing global demand […] STAECO has exhibited the expertise and track record of delivering quality freighter conversions and will play a critical role in helping Boeing meet our customer commitments today and in the future.”

“The successful implementation of the 737-800BCF program at STAECO has become a model of cooperation between manufacturer and MRO on passenger-to-freighter conversions,” added Wang Chao, president, STAECO. “We are honoured by Boeing’s ongoing trust and partnership in expanding our capacity through a sixth and seventh conversion line, and we look forward to continuing to fulfil our commitments in support of our mutual customers.”

Ahead of the Dubai Air Show 2021, Boeing released a report in which the manufacturer predicted a need for 1,720 freighter conversions in the next 20 years. According to Boeing, 40 percent of those will be from Asian carriers.

Over the course of this year and the Dubai Air Show, Boeing announced new conversion lines for the 737-800BCF. New lines will be built in China, Costa Rica and Canada with Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Company Limited (GAMECO), Cooperativa Autogestionaria de Servicios Aeroindustriales (COOPESA), KF Aerospace and the manufacturer´s site in Gatwick, London.