Freighter aircraft transactions through 15 December 2017

Every week in Cargo Facts Update, we include a list of recent freighter aircraft transactions, and then a comprehensive summary in the monthly issue of Cargo Facts. Each reference to a freighter aircraft transaction (FAT) in our publications contains a unique FAT code linked to the FAT database 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/

Below, we include the transactions from recent issues of Cargo Facts Update, and we encourage you to make use of the FAT database here on our website.

KLM retired a 747-400 Combi (27202) [FAT 004152]. This is the seventh 747-400M the Netherlands-based carrier has retired, leaving it with ten still in operation, along with three 747-400ERFs and one 747-400BCF operated by subsidiary carrier Martinair.

Rapidly-growing Turkish Airlines adds initial 777F (60403), welcoming the first of two 777Fs it has on order with Boeing with a celebration at its global hub in Istanbul. The 777F arrived in Turkey last week after being ferried from Boeing’s Paine Field facility, and was immediately placed into service with Turkish’s subcarrier, Turkish Cargo, in support of its rapidly growing air cargo operations [FAT 004149].

DHL Express took redelivery of an A330-300P2F (116, ex-Malaysia Airlines) following conversion to freighter configuration by EFW [FATs 004153 – 4155]. This is the first-ever A330 freighter conversion, and the first of eight A330-300 P-to-F conversions DHL has on firm order with EFW. Following redelivery, DHL immediately handed the freighter over to ASL Airlines Ireland for CMI operation in DHL’s Asia network – and by “immediately” we mean without a stop in the paint shop for application of DHL livery. Yes, DHL’s need for main-deck capacity in Asia is that urgent.

China-based SF Airlines acquired a 767-300ER (28979, ex-TUI Airways) for conversion to freighter configuration. No announcement has been made regarding conversion house, but SF has had five 767-300s converted to BCF freighter configuration by Boeing. The aircraft is currently in Goodyear (GYR) for maintenance.

Atlas Air acquired a 767-300 (28865, ex-Thomas Cook Airlines) and ferried it to Tel Aviv, where Atlas will have it converted to freighter configuration by Bedek (FATs 004144 – 004145).

GECAS to convert a 767-300ER (26208). This is a 1994-build aircraft, operated in passenger configuration most recently by EuroAtantic Airways, until it was returned off lease to GECAS in October 2016. The aircraft was ferried to Tel Aviv where it will be converted to BDSF configuration by Bedek [FAT 004147-004148].

New Zealand-based Airwork acquired a 757-200 (25731, ex-American Airlines) and will have it converted to PCF freighter configuration by Precision Aircraft Solutions [FATs 004156 – 4157].

Pakistan-based Vision Air International acquired a 737-300QC from ASL Airlines France (24388) [FATs 004146]. The aircraft joins the passenger-and-cargo-charter specialist’s 737 fleet, which previously consisted of one -200F and a single -300QC.

IFL Group put another CRJ-200 (8064, ex-Air Nostrum) into conversion with Aeronautical Engineers, Inc [FAT 004158]. Following conversion, the freighter will be operated by IFL subsidiary carrier Gulf & Caribbean Cargo.

Estonia’s Airest to become Europe’s first CRJ200 SF operator. The carrier plans to lease the aircraft from Miami-based Regional One, which recently firmed up the CRJ200 SF conversion order with Aeronautical Engineers, Inc (AEI). Last week, the CRJ200 (7452, ex-J-Air) was inducted for conversion at Commercial Jet’s facility in Miami [FAT 004150-004151]. Redelivery of the freighter is scheduled for early April. Airest expects to acquire and operate up to four CRJ200 SFs, some of which will likely replace its fleet of eight aging Saab 340A freighters.