Boeing has today delivered their 100th 737-800BCF (Boeing Converted Freighter) to AerCap. AerCap Cargo was the first BCF customer and is the largest lessor of the 737-800BCF. Boeing has over 250 orders and commitments for the type from more than 20 customers.
On Tuesday (September 27, 2022), Boeing announced the milestone delivery of their 100th 737-800BCF (Boeing Converted Freighter) to AerCap. The aircraft was converted at Boeing Shanghai Aviation Services Co. Ltd. (BSAS), home to the first 737-800BCF conversion line. AerCap Cargo has leased the aircraft to GOL Linhas Aéreas, as part of the Growth strategy of their strategy for logistics subsidiary GOLLOG. Gol will operate the freighter on behalf of a Latin American e-commerce company. In 2016, AerCap was the launch customer for the 737-800BCF program, and today, AerCap Cargo has the largest fleet of 737-800BCFs with 65 firm orders and nine options. AerCap Cargo has over 25 years’ experience in freighter leasing, including Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F) conversions, with more than 100 successful conversions. AerCap Cargo’s 737-800BCF customers include West Atlantic Group, Amazon Air, GOL and Kargo Xpress.
In Tuesday’s announcement, AerCap Cargo’s Head, Rich Greener, said,
“We are delighted to be a part of this significant milestone with our partners at Boeing. Since launching the 737-800BCF program with Boeing in 2016, the e-commerce market has grown at a phenomenal rate with increased demand from e-commerce retail businesses. Thanks to its versatility and reliability, the 737-800BCF is becoming the workhorse for express air cargo and e-commerce networks.”
Also commenting on the milestone delivery, Boeing’s Vice President – Commercial Modifications, Engineering & Specialty Products Business, Kate Schaefer, said,
“We are honored to celebrate this milestone with AerCap Cargo, a customer that has been an integral part of the 737-800BCF program’s success since program launch. Across five continents, our customers’ 737-800BCF utilization hours are far surpassing those of the previous generation fleet. It’s a testament to the important role these freighters play in unlocking market opportunities for our air cargo operators and their customers.”
Since the launch of the conversion program, BSAS has added a second conversion line for the 737-800BCF. They are now one of five global sites in three countries with conversion capacity for the freighter type. Compared to the freighters they replace, the Boeing 737-800BCF offers a 20 percent reduction in fuel use and CO2 emissions per tonne, while delivering more cargo capacity. The in-service fleet has already logged over 70,000 flights with an average utilization of seven hours daily, more than double the legacy aircraft in the same size category. To date, Boeing has won more than 250 orders and commitments for the type from over 20 customers.
AerCap Holdings N.V. (NYSE: AER) is the global leader in aircraft leasing and maintains one of the most attractive order books in the industry. The company serves around 300 customers in 80 countries with comprehensive fleet solutions. AerCap is headquartered in Dublin and maintains offices in Shannon, Miami, Memphis, Singapore, Amsterdam, Shanghai, Abu Dhabi, Seattle and Toulouse, and other locations around the world.
Boeing has over 40 years of successfully passenger-to-freight conversions, relying on original data and knowledge, combined with a deep understanding of the air cargo industry’s needs. This has allowed the company to deliver a superior, integrated product, including fully-integrated manuals, as well as world-class in-service technical support.
Boeing (NYSE: BA) is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading supplier of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, as well as global services. The aerospace giant tops the list of the largest U.S. exporters, providing a significant positive impact to America’s annual GDP. Boeing supports government and commercial customers in over 150 countries and employs more than 160,000 team members worldwide. As Boeing continues to deliver for customers, they are committed to their legacy of aerospace leadership in technology and innovation and living the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity.
Source(s): Boeing/PRNewswire, AerCap