DGCA certification adds to existing AEI 737-800SF STC approvals from other authorities as Indian cargo operator takes delivery of converted freighter
Aeronautical Engineers, Inc. (AEI) has secured Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval from India’s Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for its Boeing 737-800SF freighter conversion.
The 737-800SF STC (ST02690LA) approval from DGCA adds to previous approvals from the FAA, CAAC, EASA, TCCA, UK CAA, CAACI (Cayman Islands) and DCA (Guernsey), as well as Brazilian, and Argentinian ANAC approvals, said the Miami-based freighter conversion company.
Chennai-based cargo airline Afcom Holding has leased a previously converted AEI 737-800SF (MSN 33003) and will operate the aircraft out of India to various destinations in Asia.
The lease was the impetus for AEI to gain approval with the DGCA, said AEI. Robert Convey, AEI senior vice president of sales and marketing, elaborated: “This STC Validation will allow Indian cargo operators access to the industry leading AEI B737 800SF and a path towards greater profitability through affordability.
“With India’s e-commerce and express markets continuing to grow, the B737-800SF will provide operators with the right blend of payload, volume, and economics to compete in an ever-changing world.”
The AEI-converted 737-800SF freighter offers a main deck payload of up to 52,700 lbs. (23,904 kg) and incorporates eleven full height 88” x 125” container positions, plus an additional position for an AEP/AEH.
The conversion also incorporates new floor beams aft of the wing box, a flexible Ancra Cargo Loading System and a 86” x 137” main cargo door with a single vent door system.
AEI said its design allows for containers to be loaded into the aircraft a full 16.5” aft of the forward door jamb, ensuring ground operators have sufficient maneuvering room. This minimises potential door and aircraft strikes, stressed AEI.
In October, AEI announced it had begun developing a conversion programme for Boeing 737-900ER aircraft, with a planned launch date of 2029.
