BBAM
Boeing and lessor BBAM signed an agreement for up to 12 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters. Credit: Boeing.

US-based aircraft lease company BBAM has placed six new firm orders with six options for 737-800 Boeing converted freighter aircraft.

The latest agreement takes BBAM’s order and commitment of 737-800BCF to 15 and reflects the growing e-commerce and express cargo market.

BBAM CEO Steve Zissis said: “As we look ahead to expanding our cargo fleet, the 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter provides the performance and efficiency our customers need.

“Adding these highly capable freighters to 276 Boeing airplanes in our managed fleet helps to further strengthen our leadership position in the marketplace.”

Based on the next-generation 737, the 737-800BCF reduces fuel consumption and operating costs per trip compared with other standard body freighters. It also offers greater reliability.

The Boeing 737-800BCF can fly up to 2,025nm and is capable of carrying up to 23.9t.

The aircraft is used to carry express cargo on domestic or short-haul routes.

BBAM provides aircraft to more than 200 airline customers in more than 50 countries.

Boeing commercial sales and marketing senior vice-president Ihssane Mounir said: “BBAM is one of the industry’s leading full-service leasing companies and has built their reputation on smart investments.

“We are honoured that BBAM has selected more 737-800BCFs, based on the success of our standard body freighters in their portfolio.”

Last August, BBAM and its partner Nomura Babcock & Brown (NBB) closed a Japanese operating lease with call option (JOLCO) transaction with British Airways for an A350-1000.