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

Speakers from Cainiao, Finnair Cargo join Cargo Facts Asia speaker faculty

The lineup of air cargo industry visionaries speaking at Cargo Facts Asia 2019 in Shanghai has recently expanded to include Terry Xie, head of linehaul & planning, Cainiao and Fredrik Wildtgrube, head of global sales, Finnair Cargo. Cargo Facts Asia 2019 will be held 15-17 April at the Langham Shanghai. For more information, or to register, […]

• Charles Kauffman
• March 25, 2019

The first 7 operators of 737 NG freighters

Earlier this week, Atran Airlines, the express carrier subsidiary of Russia-based Volga Dnepr Group, announced it successfully added its first 737-800BCF to its AOC (32616, ex-Nok Air), on lease from GECAS. Atran has become the seventh 737 NG operator, since Bedek redelivered the first freighter-converted 737-700 in September 2017. Today, there are three active conversion […]

• Caryn Livingston and Charles Kauffman
• March 22, 2019

AeroLogic, Polar Air Cargo seeking to expand codeshareing agreement

Leipzig-based AeroLogic is seeking to co-market capacity on its scheduled 777F flights between Cincinnati (CVG) and Leipzig (LEJ) with New York-based Polar Air Cargo, according to an application filed with the US Department of Transportation earlier this week. The scope of the codesharing request is limited to the single route connecting Germany and the United […]

• Charles Kauffman
• March 21, 2019

Asian carrier traffic fell steeply in February

Major carriers based in Asia are reporting steep declines in cargo demand for the month of February, compared to the same month in 2018. Although distortions can be expected when it comes to annual comparisons for the months of January or February due to the timing of the Lunar New Year holiday, this year’s declines […]

• Charles Kauffman
• March 20, 2019

Amazon Air to add 737-800BCFs, first freighter spotted in China

A Boeing-converted 737-800BCF (32882, ex-China Southern Airlines) was spotted in China this week sporting an Amazon Air “Prime Air” livery similar to what is customarily associated with what emblazons the e-tailer’s 767F network, a clear indication the operation will soon add a new fleet type. Shortly after photos of the aircraft were leaked to Twitter, […]

• Charles Kauffman
• March 19, 2019