Boeing secured another order at the Farnborough Airshow, this time for its 737 converted freighter. BBAM, a San Francisco-based leasing company, placed a firm order for nine more 737-800BCF, highlighting the growing need for freighters in current market environment.

More freighters

BBAM, one of the largest aircraft leasing companies, strengthened its freighter deal with Boeing on July 19 by placing an order for 9 more 737-800BCFs. The agreement brings BBAM's 737-800BCF orders to 40, suggesting strong demand for converted narrowbody freighters.

BBAM has shown great faith in the 737 converted freighter by gradually upping its order over the years. In July 2021, the leasing company signed an agreement for 12 737-800BCFs, adding to its then-existing commitment for 19 and taking the order up to 31. With the latest announcement, the total order now stands at 40.

Kate Schaefer, vice president of Boeing's commercial modifications, engineering & specialty products business, said,

“We are honored by BBAM’s continued trust in Boeing and are pleased to offer high-quality and reliable conversion capacity across a global network of MRO suppliers, where our customers need it most.”

New conversion line

Amid growing demand for freighters, in 2021, Boeing announced its plans to add three conversion lines for the market-leading 737-800BCF across North America and Europe. Two of them will be at KF Aerospace MRO in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada.

BBAM will be the first customer to take delivery of a 737-800BCF conversion at the new conversion line set to open next year. John Lynch, Senior Vice President, Head of Freighter Programs at BBAM, commented,

“We continue to extend the life of the 737-800s in our fleet and support strong demand from our customers by further growing our 737-800BCF order book. By taking conversion slots at KF Aerospace in Canada, we are delighted to leverage Boeing’s global network of conversion lines to offer our customers convenience and flexibility by being where they need us to be.”

BBAM also holds conversion slots at other Boeing MRO providers, including Cooperativa Autogestionaria de Servicios Aeroindustriales (COOPESA), an Alajuela, Costa Rica-based MRO provider, and Boeing Shanghai Aviation Services (BSAS) in Shanghai, China.

About the 737-800BCF

The 737-800BCF has proven to be a popular freighter with more than 250 orders and commitments from 20+ customers so far, with more than 90 deliveries. The freighter carries more payload – up to 23.9 tonnes (52,800 lbs.) – and flies farther – 2,025 nautical miles (3,750 km) compared to 737 Classic freighters.

Boeing has been a leader in the converted freighter market for decades, and its BCFs come with an original equipment manufacturer warranty and access to the same support that Boeing provides for its newly built planes.

What are your views on this? Please leave a comment below.