ACG orders 15 737-800 P-to-F conversions

MIAMI — US-based lessor and asset manager Aviation Capital Group placed a firm order for fifteen 737-800 passenger-to-freighter conversions with Aeronautical Engineers, Inc (AEI), with options for fifteen additional conversions. The announcement was made at the Cargo Facts Aircraft Symposium in Miami.

AEI launched its 737-800 conversion program last year, and at the Paris Air Show this year GECAS signed a launch order for up to 20 conversions.

AEI was the first to announce a P-to-F program for the new generation of narrowbodies, but it has since been followed by several  others:

Bedek Aviation Group (the MRO and conversion arm of Israel Aerospace Industries) launched P-to-F programs for the 737-700 and 737-800. It has so far announced one order, for three 737-700 conversions from Alaska Airlines.

Boeing has not formally launched its 737-800 P-to-F program, but the company’s Board has granted its sales team permission to offer. Early this month, Boeing announced a Launch Customer Agreement LCA) with China-based YTO Express Airlines for fifteen conversions. The LCA will become a firm order if and when Boeing launches the program.

EFW, the joint venture of ST Aerospace and Airbus launched P-to-F programs for both the A320 and A321. No orders have been announced.

PACAVI has also formally launched A320 and A321 P-to-F programs. The company has announced two firm orders, but has so far not identified the customers or the number of conversions involved.