Boeing lands ten orders for freighter conversions
14 / 11 / 2016
Boeing has unveiled ten new orders for its B737 and B767 passenger to freighter conversion programme.
The order book includes two 737-800BCFs for Cargo Air of Bulgaria, and two others for Colombia-based Lineas Aereas Suramericanas (LAS) Cargo. Air Algerie has also signed a commitment for two of the type while an unidentified customer has ordered four 767BCFs (Boeing Converted Freighters).
“The addition of Next-Generation 737 Boeing Converted Freighters to our fleet marks the beginning of a new era for LAS Cargo,” said Capt. Luis Prieto, chief executive, LAS Cargo. “The renewal of our fleet with this incredibly reliable and efficient airplane will help us continue to provide quality service and expanded service networks that serve the needs of all of our customers.”
Angel Petrov, ground operations and commercial director, Cargo Air, said: “We are proud to incorporate Boeing’s newest converted freighter into the expansion of our freighter fleet. With the 737-800BCF, we can increase our efficiency and improve utilization, ensuring our continued success.”
Rick Anderson, vice president of sales and marketing at Boeing Commercial Aviation Services enthused at the “very positive response from the market” for the 737-800 and 767 freighter conversion programs. He said: "As our customers expand their freighter services and seek to improve fleet efficiencies, they are coming to Boeing for their freighter needs because of the quality and value we provide."
The US plane maker has now won 22 firm orders for the 767BCF and up to 59 orders and commitments for the 737-800BCF, many of them to meet surging demand from express cargo operators.
Boeing launched the 737-800BCF program in February transforming passenger aircraft into freighters at strategically sited facilities, including Boeing Shanghai Aviation Services. The first 737-800BCF is expected to be delivered in late 2017.
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