Boeing

Boeing has started its next-generation 737-800 Boeing converted freighter (BCF) programme, which received orders and commitments for up to 55 conversions from seven customers.

With the BCF programme, Boeing intends to convert passenger airplanes into freighter planes, increasing the economic lifespan of the airplane.

The company will modify its 737-800 aircraft, which is the first next-generation 737.

The first delivery is scheduled in the fourth quarter of next year.

Although large freighters carry high-density cargo on long-range routes, the 737-800BCF will primarily be used to carry express cargo on domestic routes.

The 737-800 BCF can carry 23.9t of cargo with flying routes of 3,690km.

"The next-generation 737 provides exceptional value to express freight carriers through its superior payload, range, reliability and efficiency."

With twelve pallet positions, including 11 standard pallets and one half-pallet, the 737-800BCF has 5,000ft³ of cargo space on the main deck.

Under the modifications, a big main deck cargo door and a cargo handling system will be added.

Boeing Commercial Airplanes commercial aviation services senior vice-president Stan Deal said: "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.

"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 company has currently received 30 firm orders and 25 commitments for the 737-800BCF from several airlines.

These include China’s YTO Airlines who placed an order for ten conversions with commitments for ten more conversions and China Postal Airlines who ordered ten conversions.

GE Capital Aviation, which plans to provide the initial airplane for conversion, ordered five conversions, and an undisclosed customer placed an order for five conversions with two commitments.

Boeing stated it will modify passenger airplanes at select facilities near conversion demand, including Boeing Shanghai, China.

In January, Boeing delivered SF Airline’s first 767-300 Boeing converted freighter.

Image: An artist’s rendition of the next-generation 737-800 converted freighter. Photo: courtesy of Boeing.