Boeing Introduces 737 Freighter Conversion

The Boeing Company, the American aerospace multinational corporation, has recently launched their Next-Generation 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) with commitments and orders from seven customers for up to nearly 55 aircraft conversions. Through the utilization of their freight conversion program, The Boeing Aircraft Company is capable of converting passenger airlines into freights, which often extends the economic life of the aircraft. The 737-800 is the first of the Next-Generation 737 which Boeing will offer for conversion. The converted 737-800BCF will mainly be used on domestic routes while carrying express cargo.

The Next-Generation 737 provides exceptional value to express freight carriers through its superior payload, range, reliability and efficiency

While the recovery of the global cargo market has been slow, we see demand for freighters, such as the 737-800BCF, that will carry express cargo on domestic routes," Deal added. "Over the next 20 years, Boeing forecasts customers will need more than 1,000 converted freighters the size of the 737, with China's domestic air freight carriers accounting for nearly one-third of the total market.

The 737-800BCF will have the capabilities of carrying up to 52,800 pounds of cargo, or 23.9 metric tons. The aircraft will provide 5,000 cubic feet of cargo space, or 141.5 cubic meters, on the main deck. All of this cargo space will be complemented with two lower-lobe compartments, which combined will offer more than 1,540 cubic feet of space, or 43.7 cubic meters, for additional revenue-generating cargo.

It is anticipated that the first 737-800BCF will be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2017. Passenger aircrafts will be converted at select facilities which will be located near conversion demand; this includes Boeing Shanghai. Alterations will include installing a cargo-handling system, a large main deck cargo door, as well as accommodations for up to four non-flying passengers or crew members.