Freight Boeing to open new Freighter Conversion Lines, receives 737-800BCF order

Boeing has announced, that an unidentified customer has signed a purchase agreement with the manufacturer over two Boeing 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters (BCF). Especially in these challenging times, the demand for air freight is on an all-time high.

To meet this demand, Boeing has also added, that new Freighter Conversion Lines are planned in Guangzhou and Singapore. This allows the manufacturer to convert and deliver aircraft for Asian customers faster than before.

With the latest order, Boeing´s 737-800BCF has now 134 orders and commitments. The aircraft is capable of carrying up to 23.9 tonnes (52,800 pounds), while flying up to 2,000 nautical miles 3,750 kilometers).

Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing for Boeing commented: “The freighter conversion program is an excellent way to double the life of an airplane and provide operators with an economical way to replace less efficient freighters [...] By working with our partners to add freighter conversion capacity, we look forward to meeting the strong demand in this market segment and helping our customers scale their operations.”

In China, a new Boeing 737-800BCF line at Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Company Limited (GAMECO) is expected to be opened early next year, marking the MRO´s second conversion line for the aircraft type.

GAMECO General Manager Norbert Marx said: “The addition of the new production line demonstrates our ability to quickly respond to market trends and requirements and is a testament to the skill and professionalism of the entire GAMECO-Boeing team.”

In Singapore, Boeing will add a second conversion line for the 767-300BCF, its widebody converted freighter. ST Engineering will be hosting this conversion line and it is scheduled to open later this year.

Lim Serh Ghee, president (Aerospace) of ST Engineering said: “Our strong talent pool, operational flexibility and existing infrastructure allow us to adapt quickly to evolving market needs and render the necessary support to our partners and customers [...] We take pride in our partnership with Boeing and, with the opening of an additional line later this year, look forward to continuing to deliver timely and quality freighter conversions.”

Due to the pandemic, the demand for air freight has been rising, as more medical supplies are needed, and more international orders are being made. Several airlines decided to use their passenger aircraft for temporary freight operations.