GECAS Inks Deal for 10 Boeing 737-800BCFs

GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) exercised purchase rights on 10 Boeing 737-800 converted freighters (BCF) and added an option for 15 more on Monday at the Paris Air Show. The latest batch of the converted freighters—one of which sits on display this week at the airshow—will go to GECAS operators sometime between 2020 and 2024, said Boeing Global Service CEO Stand Deal.

Boeing’s latest freighter offering involves conversion of 737NG passenger airplanes into cargo jets capable of carrying more payload—up to 23.9 tonnes—and more range—up to 2,000 nm—than previous standard-body freighters, according to the company.

“Our leasing customers are very pleased with the versatility and reliability of these freighters,” said GECAS Cargo senior vice president Richard Greener. “It’s enabling operators to replace aging freighters and meet the rapidly growing express cargo market.”

The announcement marked the third order from GECAS for the 737-800BCF since the launch of the program in 2016. GECASs now has placed orders and options for 65 of the freighters.

Boeing delivered the first in-service 737-800BCF to GECAS leasing customer West Atlantic, of Sweden, last year. Boeing has delivered fourteen 737-800BCFs to date.