Boeing (NYSE: BA) and AerCap (NYSE: AER) today announced the milestone delivery of the 100th contracted 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) to the world’s largest lessor, AerCap. The 100th 737-800BCF was converted at Boeing Shanghai Aviation Services Co. Ltd., (BSAS), home to the first 737-800BCF conversion line.
AerCap Cargo has leased the aircraft to GOL Linhas Aéreas, as part of the growth strategy and logistics solution of GOLLOG, GOL´s logistics business unit. GOL will operate the freighter for a Latin American e-commerce company.
«We are delighted to be a part of this significant milestone with our partners at Boeing,» said Rich Greener, Head of AerCap Cargo. «Since launching the 737-800BCF program with Boeing in 2016, the e-commerce market has grown at a phenomenal rate with increased demand from e-commerce retail businesses. Thanks to its versatility and reliability, the 737-800BCF is becoming the workhorse for express air cargo and e-commerce networks.»
In 2016, AerCap Cargo was the launch customer for Boeing’s 737-800BCF program. Today, AerCap Cargo has the largest fleet of 737-800BCFs with 65 firm orders and nine options.
«We are honored to celebrate this milestone with AerCap Cargo, a customer that has been an integral part of the 737-800BCF program’s success since program launch,» said Kate Schaefer, vice president of Boeing’s Commercial Modifications, Engineering & Specialty Products business. «Across five continents, our customers’ 737-800BCF utilization hours are far surpassing those of the previous generation fleet. It’s a testament to the important role these freighters play in unlocking market opportunities for our air cargo operators and their customers.»
Since program launch, BSAS has added a second conversion line for the 737-800BCF. It is now one of five global sites in three countries with 737-800BCF conversion capacity.
With up to 20% lower fuel use and CO2 emissions per tonne, 737-800BCF operators are carrying more payload with less fuel. The in-service 737-800BCF fleet has already logged more than 70,000 flights, with average utilization of 7 hours per day, more than double the typical utilization of older generation freighters in the same size category.
The 737-800BCF is the market leader with more than 250 orders and commitments from over 20 customers.
