AEI racks up orders for CRJ200 conversions with Pinnacle Partners

With a contract for two more conversions signed last week, Aeronautical Engineers, Inc.’s (AEI) CRJ200 SF freighter conversion program is well on its way to proving market demand for its 6.7-tonne cargo capacity, jet-speed, long-range delivery option.

The customer, Pinnacle Partners, provides fleet expansion and reduction services, and said it regards the CRJ200 freighter as a “great solution for short-haul freight operations.” Pinnacle’s CEO, Alden Crowley, added that his company planned to acquire another two CRJ200 aircraft for cargo conversion in 2018.

While there were doubts about demand for conversions when the program launched, customers have responded to the jet’s range and low cost of acquisition.

As the CRJ200s end their lifespans as passenger carriers, Pinnacle said that the conversions with allow them to “keep their aircraft in the air, generating revenue.” According to aviation consultants at Avitas, the average cost of a post-passenger CRJ200 is US$2 million – about $1 million less than an ATR-72, which is a propeller-driven plane that is closest in comparison, in terms of cargo capacity.

AEI currently has firm orders and commitments for more than forty-five CRJ200 SF freighter conversions, which feature a freight door and eight 61.5” x 88” container/pallet positions.