GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS), the aviation leasing and financing arm of GE, announced that it is underway with its inaugural 737-800NG passenger-to-freighter conversion with Miami-based Aeronautical Engineers (AEI). A 1999 vintage 737-800 arrived in Miami on May 5. The aircraft had been operated by Corendon Airlines in Turkey. Conversion and the subsequent certification process are scheduled to take approximately a year. This will be AEI’s first 737-800NG freighter conversion.
“The 737-800NG freighter will complement the GECAS cargo portfolio and clearly become an important narrow body freighter to support the future express air cargo markets,” said Rich Greener, SVP & Manager – Cargo for GECAS. The aircraft will be equipped with a rigid cargo barrier and have 12 main deck pallet position, 11 full height containers, plus a one-half width container. The aircraft has a maximum structural payload of 23,500 kg (51,800lb) and a max range of over 2,100 nautical miles.
GECAS plans to convert up to 20 of its Boeing 737-800NG passenger aircraft to freighters with AEI. The conversions will be performed at authorized AEI Conversion Centers at facilities in the U.S. and Asia.
News & Image Sources: Internet.