Spectre awards mega-order for B737 freighter conversions

Texas-based aircraft lease-finance specialist Spectre Air Capital has announced an initial firm order, plus rolling options, for 15 Boeing 737-700 and 737-800 passenger-to-freighter conversions with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
Spectre also confirmed a launch order from Seoul Korea-based Air Incheon for three 737-800 freighters on long-term lease for delivery beginning in 2017.
Spectre’s large B737NG freighter commitment follows its 20-aircraft Boeing 767-300ER programme collaboration earlier this year with aircraft trading partner Jetran, the majority of which will become freighters and be operated in support of e-commerce giants such as Amazon’s Prime Air and China-based Alibaba.
Jordan Jaffe, Spectre’s chief executive and co-founder, said: "Demand for express freighters is at an all-time high, with hundreds more required in the coming years to meet the demand created by rapid growth in e-commerce and expansion of the global middle class.
“The classic freighter feedstock is becoming increasingly scarce and overly expensive for their age. We intend to leverage our ability to purchase in fleet-sized transactions to offer next-generation freighters with attractive economics.”
Jaffe continued: “Spectre’s order means that 737-700 and 737-800 freighters will be available on a turnkey basis for lease and purchase to forward-thinking customers beginning from quarter one 2017 (-700F) and quarter two 2017 (-800F), with Spectre taking the attendant technical, financial and schedule risks inherent with aircraft acquisition and PTF modification programs such as these."
Spectre Cargo Solutions (SCS) is the freighter aircraft focused arm of Spectre Air Capital, whose principals have bought, sold and leased 500+ passenger, freighter and special mission aircraft. SCS’ leadership includes president Kevin Casey, the former president of PEMCO World Air Services, and Asia-based Sam Goh.