737 Classics may still have a role to play in 727F fleet modernization

With deliveries of “third generation” narrowbody conversions, to which the 737 NGs and A320/21 family programs belong, beginning to accelerate, it’s easy to juxtapose the new generation of narrowbody freighters with the 737 Classics and lose sight of the first generation of narrowbody freighters: 727Fs. As 737-400 feedstock dwindles, will 737-300s see a resurgence as a replacement option for aging 727Fs? Although feedstock for 737 Classic conversions will gradually decline over the next five years, it’s not exhausted yet, particularly for the 737-300 variant. Cargo Facts Consulting estimates there are around fifty-two 737-400s aged 21-25 years. For the 737-300 variant, meanwhile, there are approximately 201 737-300 passenger airframes in the same age bracket. Turning now to 727F operations, at present, some twenty-six carriers continue to operate about fifty 727Fs in commercial service. With the oldest 727Fs in service approaching 50 years of age, the active life remaining on many of these units is finite. Although some of these operators may look to second-hand 737 Classic freighters, converting additional 737 Classics could remain an appealing option for carriers looking to modernize their 727 fleets. Last month, ATSG-subsidiary PEMCO Conversions, completed the conversion of a 737-300F (29334, ex-Latin American Wings) at its MRO facility in Tampa. The aircraft was redelivered to Plane Business Leasing this month and was ferried to Bogotá, where it is now on lease to Colombian all-cargo carrier, LAS Cargo. For LAS, the newly-converted 737-300F is part of a fleet modernization strategy that aims to gradually replace the carrier’s six aging 727-200Fs. In February, PEMCO concurred there were still several 737-300s suitable for conversion. This week’s redelivery to LAS Cargo confirms that is the case. Apart from LAS Cargo, at least one carrier in mainland China is rumored to be considering up to six additional 737-300 P-to-F conversions.

737 Classics may still have a role to play in 727F fleet modernization

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737 Classics may still have a role to play in 727F fleet modernization

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Amazon Air 737-800BCFs begin to arrive in the US

Freighter aircraft transactions through the first half of April

Related Posts

Dronamics establishes first European operational base in Malta

737-800F redeliveries displace Classics to other operators

Pandemic feedstock price relief giving 767 conversions an edge

Freighter aircraft transactions through the first half of April

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CARGO FACTS CONSULTING

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E-commerce traffic boosts US domestic air express outlook through 2026

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