Boeing has delivered the first 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) to the aircraft’s launch customer GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS).

The freighter will be operated by Sweden’s West Atlantic Group, which expects to receive four additional 737-800 aircraft during the next 11 months.

Delivery of the additional aircraft will increase West Atlantic Group’s total fleet of Boeing 737 freighter planes to 23.

West Atlantic chief executive Fredrik Groth said: “The additional capacity and Next-Generation efficiency offered by this new aircraft will deliver real benefit to our customers and we’re delighted to be at the forefront of deliveries of this new technology.

“Aircraft are equipped with advanced technology to offer reduced fuel consumption and better reliability than other standard-body freighters.”

“With the 737-800 BCF, we expect to improve reliability, lower aircraft operating costs, and provide a better environmental footprint.”

Boeing developed the 737-800 BCF aircraft as part of its freighter conversion programme, which transforms passenger aircraft into freighters to extend the service life of the airplane.

The 737-800BCF family of aircraft is capable of accommodating up to 23.9t payloads and has a range of 3,750km.

Aircraft are equipped with advanced technology to offer reduced fuel consumption and better reliability than other standard-body freighters.

737-800BCF features 12 pallet positions that offer 4,993ft³ of cargo space on the main deck. It also includes two lower compartments that provide a combined capacity of more than 1,540ft³ for revenue-generating cargo.

The aircraft can be mainly used to transport express cargo on domestic or short-haul routes.

Boeing has so far secured 45 orders and commitments for 737-800BCF aircraft from seven customers, including YTO Airlines, China Postal Airlines, GECAS, Air Algerie, LAS Cargo, Cargo Air, and an undisclosed client.

According to Boeing’s Current Market Outlook, there is an expected customer demand for more than 1,100 standard-body converted freighters over the next two decades.