FTAI and AEI launch 737-800 freighter partnership

FTAI Aviation and Aeronautical Engineers Inc. (AEI) have formed a strategic partnership to deliver a more cost-effective Boeing 737-800 freighter solution for airline customers worldwide. The collaboration combines FTAI's engine maintenance expertise with AEI's cargo conversion capabilities to provide customised freighter aircraft at scale while improving cost efficiency.

David Moreno, President of FTAI, said, “The Boeing 737-800 is poised to become the workhorse of narrowbody freight, but growth has been constrained by the lack of an engine solution designed for cargo economics.We can build and maintain lower cycle engines customised for cargo enabling FTAI and AEI to deliver aircraft at a significantly lower operating cost. This collaboration adds cargo to FTAI’s CFM56 platform, extending the engine’s lifecycle across passenger, cargo and power.”

With nearly 6,000 aircraft delivered, the Boeing 737-800 is the world's most widely produced narrowbody aircraft, making it a strong platform for long-term freighter operations. Under the collaboration, FTAI will leverage its CFM56 engine supply and aftermarket maintenance capabilities to support reliable, cost-efficient fleet operations, while AEI will contribute its extensive cargo conversion expertise. A global leader in passenger-to-freighter conversions, AEI has developed more than 130 Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) and completed over 625 aircraft conversions using its STCs, more than any other conversion provider.

Robert T. Convey, Senior Vice President at AEI said, "AEI has led the global narrowbody freighter conversion market for over 60 years and has converted more aircraft than any other provider in the industry. Combining our conversion expertise with FTAI's engine maintenance services gives airlines a proven path to freighter capacity built for the long term."