Boeing adds first 737-800 conversion line outside of China

Boeing will open two 737-800BCF conversion lines at Costa Rica - based Coopesa’s MRO facility , located at San Jose Airport (SJO) . Once active, the lines will serve as Boeing’s first conversion lines outside of China, where three different MROs are now converting 737-800s to BCF freighter configuration. Coopesa told Cargo Facts it expects to induct and begin converting its first 737-800 in early 2022, while the second line will do so in mid-to-late 2022. [caption id="attachment_415868" align="alignright" width="550"] Boeing has now assigned four facilities as conversion sites for 737-800BCFs. (Photo/Boeing)[/caption] Boeing said in a press release the new lines are being added to cater to strong demand for 737-800BCF conversions. While demand may warrant additional conversion centers, lessors on a conversion panel at Cargo Facts Asia recently said that ongoing travel restrictions and quarantine requirements for international crews moving through China had made it increasingly difficult for customers without China-based crews or staff to take redelivery of freighter conversions. “U ntil this COVID situation straightens itself out, we ’ re probably not going to convert any more airplanes in China ,” said Bill Kmiotek, director of BlackRock, a company converting 737-800s to freighter configuration, according to an STC from Aeronautical Engineers Inc. Boeing’s redeliveries to customers based outside of China , including GECAS and ASL Airlines, have continued, however, and other lessors have told Cargo Facts there are workarounds to the quarantine requirement of fourteen to twenty-one days . Coopesa already has experience converting 737 Classics, and in February converted a 737-300QC (28054) to full-freighter configuration for PEMCO, according t o the conversion customer, Automatic LLC. The aircraft was later sold to Northern Air Cargo. Once the second 737-800 conversion line is up to speed, Coopesa will likely move away from 737 Classic conversions. Boeing most recently announced it will establish a third 737-800BCF conversion line at the GAMECO facility in Guangzhou in 2022. As of May 5, Boeing has logged firm orders and options for 180 aircraft from fifteen customers, according to a press release from Boeing. Boeing redelivered its fiftieth 737-800BCF in March, and has since redelivered a t least four more , according to Cargo Facts’ FAT Database . Cargo Facts EMEA, taking place June 2-3 as a virtual experience, is the event for exploring opportunity in the EMEA region. The event continues to bring together the best, brightest, and most innovative executives in the global air cargo industry. Learn more and register at www.cargofactsemea.com .

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