Boeing to add two B767-300BCF conversion lines at GAMECO in China

Boeing plans to create additional capacity for the B767-300 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) to help meet continued strong market demand.

Working with conversion house Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Co (GAMECO) the two partners will open two new 767-300BCF conversion lines next year.

GAMECO will be the first MRO in China to convert the B767-300BCF and the only MRO converting both the B767-300BCF and the B737-800BCF.

Earlier this year, GAMECO announced plans to open a third B737-800BCF conversion line.

The agreement was revealed by the two companies during a signing ceremony at the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai.

Peter Gao, vice president, Boeing Commercial Sales and Marketing for China, said: “It was mutually beneficial to continue building our relationship with GAMECO to provide additional conversion capacity for the B767-300BCF while supporting growth in the region.

“GAMECO has demonstrated excellent execution on the B737-800BCF programme. We know it will bring the same expertise and proven capability to help deliver our medium widebody freighter conversions to our global customers.”

Said Norbert Marx, general manager, GAMECO: “The introduction of the B767-300BCF program further grows GAMECO’s regional presence and enhances our strategic focus around meeting the strong customer demand. We will open the B767-300BCF conversion lines in our new hangar.”

Boeing forecasts 1,720 freighter conversions will be needed over the next 20 years. Of those, 520 will be widebody conversions with Asia carriers accounting for more than 40% of that demand. The B767-300BCF has more than 95 orders and commitments.

GAMECO is a joint venture between China Southern Airlines and Hutchison Whampoa (China) from Hong Kong that specializes in aircraft and airborne component maintenance, repair and overhaul.