Previously unreported freighter aircraft transactions

We try to keep up-to-date on transactions involving freighter aircraft, publishing a list of recent transactions every week in Cargo Facts Update, and then a comprehensive summary in the monthly issue of Cargo Facts. However, particularly in the case of used passenger aircraft being acquired and put into conversion to freighter configuration, it is easy to miss some transactions.

The transactions below are almost all relatively recent, within the last two or three months, but have not yet been reported in either the weekly Cargo Facts Update, or the monthly Cargo Facts.

Each reference to a freighter aircraft transaction (FAT) in our publications contains a unique FAT code linked to the FAT database here on the CargoFacts.com website. This database is available to subscribers as an interactive tool on our website, and you can go to it from the “FAT Data” tab at the top of the home page, or directly at http://cargofacts1.wpengine.com/fat/

Now for some previously unreported, but relatively recent, freighter aircraft transactions:

SF Airlines acquired a 767-300ER (28979, ex TUI Airways) [FAT 004413]. The aircraft is currently in maintenance at Goodyear (GYR), and SF plans to have it converted to freighter configuration, although no conversion house has been selected yet. In addition to its large, and growing, narrowbody freighter fleet, SF currently operates five 767-300BCFs, and plans to acquire more. The carrier also acquired two 747-400ERFs in November last year, but they are still in maintenance after having been parked for six years.

Air Transport Services Group (ATSG) acquired a 767-300ER (25201, ex-American Airlines) and is having it converted to freighter configuration by Bedek Aviation Group [FATs 004414 – 4415].

Two more 767-300 freighters in conversion for Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings (AAWW)

• AAWW acquired a 767-300ER (28495, ex-S7 Siberia Airlines) from DAE Capital and is having it converted to freighter configuration by Bedek Aviation Group [FATs 004416 – 4417].

• AAWW acquired a 767-300ER (30110, ex-Transaero) from GECAS and is having it converted to freighter configuration by Boeing at ST Aero’s Seletar (XSP) facility [FATs 004418 – 4419].

Canada-based Cargojet Airways acquired a 757-200 (25730, ex-American Airlines) and is having it converted to freighter configuration by Precision Aircraft Solutions at the Flightstar facility in Jacksonville (VQQ) [FATs 004420 – 4421].

DHL Express acquired a 757-200 (29427, ex-American Airlines) and is having it converted to freighter configuration by Precision Aircraft Solutions at the Flightstar facility in Jacksonville (VQQ) [FATs 004422 – 4423].

China Postal Airlines acquired a 757-200 (26153, ex-China Southern Airlines) and is having it converted to freighter configuration by Precision Aircraft Solutions at the AMECO facility in Chengdu (CTU) [FATs 003049 and 004424].

US-based lessor Spectre Air Capital put a 737-700 (29042, ex-Xiamen Airlines) into conversion with Bedek Aviation Group at Bedek’s Tel Aviv (TLV) facility [FAT 004429].

Two more 737-400 conversions for VX

• US-based lessor Vx Capital Partners put a 737-400 (25773, ex-Yamal Airlines) into conversion by Aeronautical Engineers, Inc at the Flightstar facility in Jacksonville (VQQ) [FATs 004425 – 4426].

• Vx Capital Partners put a 737-400 (25775, ex-Yamal Airlines) into conversion by Aeronautical Engineers, Inc at the KF Aerospace facility in Kelowna (YLW) [FATs 004427 – 4428].

Canada-based Avmax Aircraft Leasing acquired a 737-400 Combi (25099) from Alaska Airlines and is having it converted to full freighter configuration by PEMCO World Air Services in Tampa (TPA) [FATs 004430 – 4431].

Ireland-based ASL Aviation Group acquired three 737-400s (28892, 28893, 29270, all ex-Alaska Airlines) from GECAS [FATs 004432 – 4434]. The three aircraft are currently in conversion to freighter configuration by Aeronautical Engineers, Inc at Commercial Jet’s Dothan facility (DHN). Following conversion, the freighters will likely be deployed into service at one of ASL’s subsidiary carriers. We note that CEO Hugh Flynn has said he hopes to eventually be flying up to ten freighters in a European network for Amazon, but neither Amazon nor any of the European carriers vying to serve it have made any announcement regarding finalization of a contract.

US-based Everts Air Cargo put an MD-83 (53471, ex-Ryan International Airlines) into conversion with Aeronautical Engineers, Inc at Commercial Jet’s Dothan facility (DHN) [FAT 004435].