No slowdown in demand for 737 Classic conversions

As orders have rolled in for freighter conversion of 737 NGs, it is easy to forget that the 737 Classic Family freighters – 737-300Fs and 737-400Fs – are still in high demand.

Today, 4 July, is the Independence Day holiday in the United States, so this will be just a short note with a few recent examples to show that the era of the 737 Classic freighter is far from over.

• China-based YTO Express Airlines is moving forward with its plans for rapid fleet expansion, and recently acquired three 737-300s for conversion to freighter configuration by PEMCO World Air Services at the STEACO facility in Jinan. Cargo Facts has not been able to confirm the identity of the three aircraft, but we believe them to be 29407, 29408, and 27520, the last three of the type in the fleet of China Southern Airlines.

• Tunisia-based Express Air Cargo, which launched service last year and now operates two 737-300Fs, is reported to be planning to add a 737-400F late this year.

• Mexico-based Estafeta Cargo Aérea took redelivery of a 737-400F (28894, ex-Alaska Airlines) on lease from Vx Capital Partners following conversion by Aeronautical Engineers, Inc. Estafeta is in the process of replacing its four-unit 737-300F fleet with the larger 737-400Fs.

• Iceland-based Bluebird Cargo leased a 737-400F (26302) from KV Aviation following conversion by Aeronautical Engineers, Inc.

This is just a quick snapshot of recent transactions involving 737-300/-400 freighter conversions, but it shows that the Classics are still in high demand. And with plenty of orders still in the backlogs at AEI, Bedek, and PEMCO, demand will stay high for some time.