Boeing expands conversion capabilities as orders roll in

Boeing has signed agreements to open additional conversion lines in Guangzhou, China, and Singapore to meet strong market demand.

The new line at Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Company Limited (GAMECO) is scheduled to open in early 2021, marking the MRO’s second conversion line for the B737-800BCF.

And Boeing will also add a second conversion line for its widebody converted freighter, the B767-300BCF, at ST Engineering’s facility in Singapore. The second line is scheduled to open later this year.

“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,” said Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president of commercial sales and marketing for Boeing.

“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.”

The opening of a new B737-800 conversion lines comes as Boeing announced a firm order from an unidentified customer.

To date, Boeing has delivered 36 737-800BCF to more than 10 operators across four continents.The 737-800BCF now has 134 orders and commitments.

Primarily used to carry express cargo on domestic or short-haul routes, the airplane is capable of carrying up to 23.9 tonnes up to 3,750km. 

The 767-300BCF has virtually the same cargo capability as the 767-300F production freighter with up to 56.5 tonnes of payload and flying up to 6,190km.