Shanghai-headquartered Bank of Communications Financial Leasing Co. Ltd (BoComm Leasing) has sent what will become its first 737-800BCF for conversion [FAT 005742].
At just ten years old, the aircraft (39393, ex-Shanghai Airlines) will be the youngest 737-800 converted to freighter configuration. Unit 39393 was ferried to Guangzhou (CAN) Nov. 20 to be inducted at the GAMECO facility, which recently completed its first 737-800BCF conversion.
BoComm confirmed it has an operator lined up for the aircraft, but could not yet disclose the identity. A second 737-800BCF conversion BoComm has lined up could also make its way to the unidentified customer, according to the lessor.
We note that Zhongyuan Longhao Airlines, which just recently added its first 737-800BCF on lease from BBAM, expects to add at least two more from other lessors. Other operators in China known to be interested in — or planning — the introduction of 737-800Fs include SF Airlines and YTO Cargo Airlines.
BoComm did not confirm whether it is the undisclosed customer behind the two 737-800BCF conversions announced Sept. 30 by Boeing.
Other lessors that have begun converting their 737-800s to freighters for the first time in 2020 include Aero Capital Solutions, Aircraft Finance Germany, BlackRock and GA Telesis.
The youngest 737-800F converted to date is (36846, ex-Jet Airways), recently redelivered by Aeronautical Engineers Inc. (AEI) to Nigeria-based Allied Air in October.
