Chinese cargo carriers add narrowbodies

There has been much speculation recently that China’s all-cargo operators would soon cut back on the number of narrowbody freighters added to their fleets, and focus instead on adding widebodies. While this shift will undoubtedly take place at some point, it is narrowbodies, particularly 737s, that are being added now.

• China Postal Airlines took redelivery of its thirteenth 737-300F (29316), following conversion by PEMCO World Air Services. In addition to the thirteen 737-300Fs, China Postal also operates eight 737-400Fs, and ACMI leases three 757-200PCFs from Air China Cargo. It has one more 737-300 (28158) in conversion by PEMCO at the STAECO facility in Jinan, and will ACMI lease a fourth 757-200PCF from Air China Cargo later this year.

• Yangtze River Express took redelivery of two 737-300Fs (28602, 28606, both ex-Hainan Airlines), following conversion by PEMCO World Aviation Services. YRE now operates twenty-two freighters, including three 747-400BDSFs, two 747-400Fs, and seventeen 737-300Fs.