LATAM inducts youngest 767 yet for freighter conversion

What will become the youngest 767 converted freighter to date has arrived in Singapore (SIN), ahead of induction for conversion by Boeing at the ST Engineering facilities [FAT 006469]. The aircraft (35697) is a 2008-vintage 767-300ER with CF6-80 engines that belongs to LATAM Airlines, which had parked it in Santiago (SCL) almost a year ago, and is the first of ten 767-300BCFs that the carrier will add over the next few years . [caption id="attachment_416334" align="alignright" width="560"] LATAM has now sent the first of ten 767-300ERs for conversion. (Photo/LATAM)[/caption] When LATAM first announced an order for four conversions along with four options , it told Cargo Facts that it may not necessarily select its oldest frames as candidates. As of March 31, 2021, LATAM had seventeen 767-300ERs in its fleet, according to its first-quarter report. While most freighter-converted 767s are currently closer to twenty years old or older, there are a few that aren’t far behind unit 35697. LATAM itself has three 2006-vintage 767-300BCFs (35229, 34628 and 34629) that it converted in 2018 and 2019 , while SF Airlines also has a pair of 2006 ex-Shanghai Airlines 767-300BCFs (35155 and 35156). LATAM operates eight other production 767-300Fs ranging from around fourteen to twenty-three years in age. Cargo Facts believes LATAM’s next conversions could include three 767-300ERs the carrier has temporarily reconfigured for cargo by removing seats: units 35696, 37802 and 40591, built in 2008, 2010 and 2011, respectively. CEO Andres Bianchi previously hinted that LATAM would reconfigure frames while they await their conversion slots. The past twelve months have also seen young A330s heading for conversion. In November 2020, DHL Express sent the 2013-vintage unit 1477 (ex-Hi Fly) to Elbe Fluzeugwerke’s (EFW) facility in Dresden (DRS), while other recent or near-term inductions include two 2008-vintage A330-300s (958 and 964, ex-China Southern Airlines) for CDB Aviation; two 2007-vintage A330-300s (879 and 889, ex-China Southern Airlines) for MNG Airlines; and a 2007-vintage A330-200 (868, ex-Etihad) for Altavair. See also: Snapping up younger frames for conversion: the age-old question

As for narrowbodies, China Postal Airlines took delivery of two 737-800BCFs (38011 and 39393, ex-Shanghai Airlines) on lease from BoComm Leasing earlier this year that were manufactured in 2011 and 2010, respectively. Cargo Facts Symposium, taking place LIVE October 25-27 at the Wynn Las Vegas, is the essential event for stakeholders in the air cargo industry. Learn more and register at www.cargofactssymposium.com .

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