ASL signs MoU for up to 20 737-800BCFs

Ireland-based ASL Aviation Holdings placed a firm order for ten 737-800BCFs with purchase rights for an additional ten, in a memorandum of understanding signed with Boeing today at the Paris Air Show [ FATs 004986-5005 ]. These will not be the first 737-800BCFs to join the ASL fleet. The company has, since last year , already been operating two -800BCFs throughout Europe under its Liege-based Belgian subsidiary on behalf of express customer FedEx. Both units (32580 and 32610) are on lease from GECAS . ASL didn’t specify where the new freighters would be based, but Cargo Facts would expect that, regardless of the subsidiary operator, potential customers include FedEx and Amazon, based on past activity. ASL also operates a large fleet of 737-300F and 737-400Fs that will eventually need to be replaced. It is as yet unclear whether the new orders will be used to renew or augment ASL’s freighter fleet. Given the age profile of ASL’s current 737Fs, the 737-800BCFs could be used for a mix of both depending on the redelivery timeline. ASL's order further boosts the total number of orders and commitments for 737-800BCF conversions to 120 orders from eight customers, including GECAS, the largest customer for the program to date, with a backlog of thirty-four and options for twenty additional conversions, following its most recent announcement at the Paris Air Show. Given the surge in orders, Boeing expects to more than double the number of 737-800BCF redeliveries from eight in 2018 to seventeen in 2019, indicating the company has resolved some of the usual teething issues initially encountered during the start of a new program. To date, a total of fourteen -800BCFs have been redelivered. Looking ahead, Boeing says it may consider adding more conversion lines to meet demand for the aircraft. For now, two MROs host conversion lines for Boeing's program, including Boeing Shanghai Aviation Services (BSAS) and Taikoo (Shandong) Aircraft Engineering Company (STAECO). Early last year, Boeing and China Southern Airlines Group signed a deal to set up a conversion line at Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Co., Ltd. (GAMECO), in which China Southern holds a 50% stake. While there isn’t a definite timeline as to when that line will be ready to begin conversion work, this might well be what provides Boeing with the capacity boost it wants (and needs) for 737-800BCF conversions. Interested in how the global freighter fleet will develop over the next 20 years? The Cargo Facts Consulting 2019 Freighter Forecast is available now. Visit www.cfcinsights.com for more information. Those who purchase the Report prior to 17 June will also gain access to a live webinar with Cargo Facts Consulting Managing Director and report author, Frederic Horst.

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ASL signs MoU for up to 20 737-800BCFs

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Qatar Airways commits to five more 777Fs

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