The narrowbody freighter fleet part II: 737 NG conversions enter the fleet

Today we continue our three-part analysis of the worldwide fleet of narrowbody jet freighters with a look at active and emerging conversion programs for the narrowbody freighter types currently available and set to enter the market in late 2019 and early 2020. In part III next week, we will break down the fleet on a […]

• Caryn Livingston
• April 5, 2019

Mistral Air adds another 737-400F, will flights reflect Amazon Logistics’ ground presence?

On 3 April, US-based Automatic LLC redelivered a 737-400F (30161, ex-Alaska Airlines) to Italy-based Mistral Air, the airline affiliate of Post Italiane. The aircraft was recently converted to freighter configuration by PEMCO,  at the Coopesa facility in San Jose, Costa Rica. For Mistral Air, this is the third 737-400F to join the fleet in less […]

• Charles Kauffman
• April 4, 2019

The narrowbody freighter fleet part I: 737 NG freighters take off

Today we begin a three-part analysis of the worldwide fleet of narrowbody jet freighters with a look at the overall composition of the fleet – how many of the different types are in operation by which carriers. Later this week, in part II, we will look at active and emerging conversion programs for the narrowbody […]

• Caryn Livingston
• April 3, 2019

As 737 NG conversions get off the ground, will MAX groundings limit feedstock?

Early 2019 has seen passenger-to-freighter conversion programs launched years earlier for 737 NG aircraft finally complete conversions and receive certifications. First, in February, Aeronautical Engineers, Inc., received STC certification for its 737-800SF, which was redelivered this month to Ethiopian Airlines, on lease from GECAS. Israel-based Bedek Aviation Group also commenced test flights for its 737-800BDSF […]

• Caryn Livingston
• March 27, 2019

Bedek expects STC for its 737-800BDSF program by June

Earlier this month, Israel-based Bedek Aviation Group commenced flight tests for its first freighter-converted 737-800BDSF (30498, ex-Transaero). Tests are being completed near Tel Aviv, where the former passenger aircraft was converted to freighter configuration. Although the partial shutdown of the U.S. Federal Government delayed flight tests, Bedek tells Cargo Facts that it is expecting the […]

• Charles Kauffman
• March 26, 2019

Cebu Pacific looks to freight, ATR 72Fs for growth

Although Philippines-based Cebu Pacific reported 2018 full-year net income down 50.6% to P3.9 billion (US$74.4 million), from P7.9 billion ($151 million) the year prior, cargo was a bright spot. The carrier reported cargo volumes up 19% year-over-year, to 210,000 tonnes, and remains eager to add dedicated ATR 72-500Fs to its fleet. In July of last […]

• Caryn Livingston and Charles Kauffman
• March 25, 2019

Horst joins Cargo Facts Consulting as managing director

Frederic Horst, a long-time airfreight analyst, consultant, and strategist, has joined Cargo Facts Consulting as managing director. Horst’s appointment is effective immediately. Cargo Facts Consulting, the sister consultancy of this news resource, was founded in 1978 as Air Cargo Management Group. Cargo Facts Consulting has a long history of providing exceptional advisory and research to […]

• JJ Hornblass
• March 7, 2019

Ethiopian Airlines takes redelivery of first 737-800SF

Ethiopian Airlines has at last taken redelivery of the first-ever 737-800SF (29121) following its conversion to freighter configuration by Aeronautical Engineers, Inc., at the Commercial Jet Facility in Miami. The aircraft is on lease from GECAS, which has at least nineteen orders and options for additional 737-800 conversions with AEI, while Ethiopian has also agreed […]

• Caryn Livingston
• March 4, 2019