Canadian freighter fleet to add 737-400Fs

[caption id="attachment_413694" align="alignright" width="553"] KF Aerospace previously operated DC-10Fs and 727Fs. The carrier may soon add 737-400SFs.[/caption] Canada-based aviation and MRO services provider KF Aerospace this week finalized an order for three 737-400SF conversions from Aeronautical Engineers Inc. (AEI) [FATs 005381-5383]. The first aircraft (24769, ex-Flair Airlines) will be inducted for conversion at KF Aerospace’s own MRO facility in Kelowna (YLW) next month. Upon redelivery, the aircraft is set to become the first 737-400F to be redelivered to a Canadian company. Although multiple carriers operate 737-400s in passenger configuration and 737-400s have previously been converted by KF Aerospace to freighter configuration, there are currently no 737-400s in full-freighter configuration operating on a Canadian AOC. AEI only applied for a Canadian STC in 4Q19, and just last month, Transport Canada Civil Aviation issued STCs for AEI’s 737-400SF and 737-300F conversions. Canada’s convertible and combi-configured 737 Classic fleet is modest in size, but unique as it includes a mix of 737-200s, 737-300s and 737-400s. While the number of 737-200s in operation globally dwindles as they are replaced by newer types, some Canadian operators cling to the aircraft for its suitability operating on unimproved runways. Air Inuit, Canadian North, Glencore Canada and Nolinor Aviation operate 737-200s in convertible quick-change or combi configuration. Last month, in a nod to the planned longevity for the platform, Nolinor opened a 737-200 training center to keep crews current on the type. First Air, which is merging with Canadian North, operates a trio of 737-400 Combis, and both Air Inuit and Canadian North operate 737-300 Combis that can carry up to six pallets of cargo depending on the configuration. Commercial plans for 24769 and KF Aerospace’s subsequent redeliveries have yet to be finalized. Bryan Akerstream, director of business development at KF Aerospace, told Cargo Facts that while the company is in discussions to lease the 737-400SFs to other carriers, it is also considering adding the platform to its own fleet. “Based on the conversations we’ve had with potential customers, our sense is that there is demand either to lease these aircraft or, of course, to add them to our own fleet,” Akerstream said. KF Aerospace currently operates a fleet of Convair Aircraft, and previously operated 727Fs and DC-10Fs. As for KF’s two other planned 737-400 conversions, negotiations are still underway for additional feedstock, and the conversion schedule has yet to be finalized. In the meantime, KF Aerospace continues to provide touch labor for other AEI conversions. Last month, Vx Capital inducted a 737-400 (27914, ex-LOT) for conversion as part of three-aircraft conversion agreement announced in January. Vx’s second aircraft (28752) will be inducted in May and the third (28753) is expected in August. While Cargo Facts Asia 2020 will be a virtual event, the unparalleled networking and continuing education opportunities remain, with the best and brightest minds addressing the most pressing industry issues for Asia Pacific — including those around COVID-19. To register and for more information, visit www.cargofactsasia.com .

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