Freight Ethiopian Airlines to lease converted 737-800 freighters from GECAS

Both aircraft will be converted by Aeronautical Engineers Inc. (AEI) and are the first ever Boeing 737-800 freighters. While the first 737-800SF will be delivered in June, the second is expected to join Ethiopian Cargo´s fleet in January 2019.

The 737-800SF features a hydraulic cargo-door from AEI and can carry eleven containers, as well as one AEP/AEH-container. The main deck can handle a payload of up to 52,000 lb (23,587 kg).

Tewolde Gebremariam, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO said: “We are excited to take delivery of these first-ever AEI-converted 737-800SFs [...] The aircraft will be a great complement to our existing fleet of B777 and B757 freighters. In line with our Vision 2025 Ethiopian Cargo and Logistics strategic roadmap, we are expanding our cargo fleet and network to support trade within Africa and with the rest of the world by facilitating the export of perishables and the import of high value goods into the continent.”

GECAS Richard Greener, SVP & Manager Cargo Aircraft Group added: “We have been working with AEI on this program since 2015 and look forward to delivering the first AEI converted 737-800SF to Ethiopian Airlines. The airline is joining a growing number of combination carriers planning to operate this aircraft either for replacement of aging freighters or for growth”

Ethiopian Cargo and Logistics Services is a division of the Ethiopian Airlines Group. The operator provides cargo services across a network of over 90 destinations. To date, the fleet consists of 6 Boeing 777 freighters and 2 Boeing 757 freighters.