GECAS Cargo expands orderbook for 737-800BCF
GECAS (GE Capital Aviation Services) has signed an agreement with Boeing for converting 11 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) options.
GECAS (GE Capital Aviation Services) has signed an agreement with Boeing for converting 11 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) options. This brings the total firm orderbook to 60 and options to 14 since the launch of the narrowbody conversion programme in 2016. The 20 in this agreement are scheduled to complete conversions between 2022 and 2024.
“We are very pleased to expand our orderbook for the 737-800BCF with Boeing,” said Richard Greener, SVP and manager, GECAS Cargo, adding “The versatility and reliability of these freighters is appealing to our air cargo customers, not to mention the greater efficiency, lower operational costs and better environmental credentials for the growing express and commerce cargo market.”
Also Read: The making of the Big Twin freighter begins
To date, Boeing has delivered 23 of the converted 737-800 next-generation (NG) freighters to GECAS for its leasing customers. The 737-800BCF carries more payload – up to 23.9 tonnes (52,800 lbs) – and has longer range – 2,000 nmi (3,750 km) than other standard-body freighters – providing capability to open new markets. The 737-800BCF freighter also offers operators newer technology, lower fuel consumption and better reliability than standard-body freighters. Its primary use is carrying express cargo on domestic / short haul routes.
“It is an honour to extend our strong partnership with GECAS as they place their third repeat order for the 737-800BCF. GECAS is renowned for providing great freighter solutions and this order is another testament to the 737-800BCF’s ability to extend the life of an airplane and help cargo carriers reduce operating costs,” said Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing, The Boeing Company. “The marketplace continues to prove that the 737-800BCF is the ideal standard body freighter to meet the growing demand in e-commerce and express cargo today and in the future.”
Boeing is a leading provider of commercial airplanes, defence, space and security systems, and global services. As a top US exporter, the company supports commercial and government customers in more than 150 countries. GECAS Cargo has more than 25 years’ experience in freighter leasing, including Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F) conversions, with more than 80 successful conversions. This announcement brings our orders and options for converted cargo aircraft to more than 100.