SpiceJet grows freighter fleet with second 737-800BCF

India-based SpiceJet will soon receive its second 737-800BCF (30475), on lease from Spectre Air Capital [FATs 005231-005232]. With this redelivery, the carrier grows its freighter fleet to five units.

Unit 30475 has been spotted in Jinan (TNA), where it was converted by Boeing at the Taikoo (Shandong) Aircraft Engineering Co., Ltd. (STAECO) facility. The aircraft was manufactured in 2000 and first entered service in passenger configuration with Chinese carrier Hainan Airlines.

SpiceJet became the first to operate freighter-converted versions of both 737 NG variants when it took its first 737-800BCF (30474, ex-Hainan) in September 2019. It also has three IAI-converted 737-700BDSFs that it took on in September 2018, April 2019 and July 2019 respectively. All four are also leased from Spectre.

Spectre previously told Cargo Facts that it would convert and lease at least six 737 NGs to SpiceJet. If the airline hasn’t altered its plans to expand its freighter fleet to six aircraft by March 31, 2020, that leaves one more aircraft to be added. However, Cargo Facts wouldn’t be surprised to see more joining the fleet before that date.

SpiceJet reportedly plans to list shares of SpiceXpress in an initial public offering next year.