Boeing has
delivered the first 737-800BCF, within three years of the programme's launch.
The converted freighter was handed over to programme
partner GECAS on 19 April at a dedicated ceremony at East Midlands airport in
the UK.
In early May, the narrowbody will enter commercial
service with launch operator West Atlantic UK – a subsidiary of Sweden's West
Atlantic Group – and will be used for short-haul cargo transport serving the
European market.
GECAS – which has managed the aircraft (MSN 32740)
throughout its service life, and has led the conversion programme with Boeing –
is leasing four 737-800BCFs to the Coventry-headquartered airline, from its
total orderbook with Boeing for 10 of the modified passenger aircraft.
West Atlantic UK says the remaining examples are
scheduled for delivery in August and October 2018 and in January 2019. The
aircraft are being converted by Boeing's Chinese maintenance and modification
joint venture Boeing Shanghai Aviation Services.
The 18 737-300/400s already operated by West
Atlantic UK will remain in the fleet, says company managing director Nigel
Hiorns.
Mike Fleming, vice-president of commercial services
for Boeing Global Services, describes the 737-800BCF as "the next
generation of freighters".
He says: "For the first time, operators get
one-stop-shop support throughout the lifecycle of a standard-body freighter –
originally manufactured by Boeing, converted by Boeing, and supported by
Boeing."
The aircraft has the capacity to carry up to
24,000kg (52,800lb) of cargo, with a range of about 2,000nm (3,700km).
Boeing says 12 pallet positions, comprising 11
standard pallets and one half-pallet, will provide 141m³ (5,000ft³) of cargo
space on the main deck. There will also be two lower-lobe compartments, which
will provide a further 43m³ of cargo space
The aircraft will primarily be used to carry express
cargo on domestic and short-haul routes.
Boeing says it has secured 45 orders and commitments
for the 737-800BCF. As well as GECAS, customers include: Hangzhou, China-based
YTO Airlines; China Postal Airlines; Air Algerie; Colombia's LAS Cargo; Cargo
Air, based in Bulgarian capital Sofia; and another, unidentified client.
The airframer forecasts a market for more than 1,000
narrowbody freighters "the size of the 737", with China’s domestic
air freight carriers accounting for nearly one-third of the total market.
(Evangle Luo of TTFLY shared with you)
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