Aeronautical Engineers (AEI) has received an FAA Supplemental Type Certificate for the passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversion of Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
The prototype B737-800SF freighter conversion was completed in December yet experienced a delay in certification due to the partial government shutdown.
By offering a broad product lineup, including the highly successful B737-400SF, AEI said the B737-800SF is the latest freighter offering which promises to deliver on its “long-standing reputation for building rugged and reliable freighter conversions”, at a price point that owners and operators can afford, all with a straightforward approach to business.
“We believe the AEI B737-800SF will become the industry’s standard narrowbody freighter for the next 40 plus years,” said AEI senior vice president sales and marketing, Robert Convey.
“When compared to the B737-400SF, the B737-800SF has better fuel burn characteristics combined with a substantial increase in payload capability which will provide operators with improved operating economics.”
AEI has taken great care to ensure the B737-800SF freighter conversion exceeds the rugged demands and changing needs of air freight transportation.
The AEI converted B737-800SF freighter offers a main deck payload of up to 52,700 lbs and incorporates 11 full height 88” x 125” container positions, plus an additional position for an AEP/AEH.
Convey said: “We are still experiencing significant demand for our industry leading B737-400SF freighter and expect the B737-800SF to gain in popularity over the next two years as feedstock prices drop and availability increases.”
He added: “But having already secured 111 firm orders and commitments for the B737-800SF, we believe this program will far exceed the success we have had with the B737-400SF program.”
AEI is forecasting that 750 B737-800’s will be converted over the next 40 plus years with AEI capturing over 400 of those conversions.
