AEI strikes deal with Transcend Aero Services for two freighter conversions
14 / 12 / 2022
Image source: Aero Capital Solutions
US conversion company Aeronautical Engineers, Inc. (AEI) will undertake two B737-800SF freighter conversions for Singapore-based Transcend Aero Services.
This agreement represents the first freighter conversion order Transcend has placed with AEI.
The first B737-800 aircraft (MSN 35217) began modification this month, said Miami, Florida-based AEI.
The authorised AEI conversion centre, Commercial Jet based in Dothan, Alabama will carry out conversion-related touch labour on the aircraft.
The second 737-800 will commence modification in March 2023, and will be modified at Commercial Jet’s Miami, Florida facility.
“We are pleased that Transcend has chosen the AEI B737-800SF freighter conversion over both our competitors’, and welcome them to the AEI family,” stated Robert Convey, AEI’s senior vice president of sales and marketing.
AEI said it is currently the only conversion company to have ETOPS 180 approval on the 737-800 freighter conversion.
The AEI-converted B737-800SF freighter offers a main deck payload of up to 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 large 86” x 137” Main Cargo Door with a single vent door system.
AEI’s design allows for containers to be loaded into the aircraft a full 16.5” aft of the forward door jamb. This ensures ground operators have sufficient manoeuvring room, which minimises potential door and aircraft strikes.
Additionally, the AEI B737-800SF includes a flexible Ancra Cargo Loading System, a rigid 9g barrier, five supernumerary seats as standard, a galley, and full lavatory.
Aircraft lessor Jackson Square Aviation (JSA) has placed an order for six B737-800 conversions from AEI in October.
