In June 2017, Sweden-based dedicated cargo carrier West Atlantic agreed to lease four Boeing-converted 737-800BCFs from lessor GECAS. Earlier this week, the carrier announced that all four aircraft will be operated “on behalf of an express logistics provider, in its current EU-network.”
Although West Atlantic has not revealed the identity of the “express logistics provider,” we point out the carrier’s diverse client list, which currently includes EAT Leipzig (DHL), ASL Airlines and Royal Mail, among others. Amazon has also dabbled with intra-Europe dedicated express operations – most recently in partnership with ASL Airlines – but West Atlantic could feasibly operate for Amazon should the e-commerce giant be planning to grow its network in Europe.
Through its two subsidiary carriers (UK-based Atlantic Airlines and Sweden-based West Atlantic), West Atlantic Airlines currently operates three 767-200Fs, six 737-300Fs, eleven 737-400Fs, fourteen ATPFs, and two CRJ200Fs. The carrier is also expected to take delivery of a twelfth AEI-converted 737-400SF on lease from Vx Capital Partners (25429).
Returning to GECAS, the lessor aims to be a major player in the 737NG conversion space. According to our records, GECAS plans to have at least fifty-five 737-800s from its portfolio converted to freighter configuration, with outstanding orders and commitments for twenty conversions with AEI and thirty-five with Boeing.
Those interested in hearing the latest about narrowbody conversions should join us at Cargo Facts Asia 2018 in Shanghai, April 23-25, where the subject will be explored from many viewpoints. For more information, or to register, go to CargoFactsAsia.com.
