Aeronautical Engineers, Inc. (AEI) is pleased to announce that Bulgaria-based CargoAir has ordered its 4th AEI B737-800SF freighter conversion. The aircraft, (MSN 30883) is slated to commence modification at the end of October 2022. All conversion-related touch labor will be performed by the authorized AEI Conversion Center, Commercial Jet in Miami, Florida.
“The AEI B737-800SFs is part of our overall fleet revitalization program and will be used to incrementally replace our existing fleet of B737-300SF/-400SF freighters,” remarked CargoAir Purchase and Fleet Acquisitions Director, Angel Petrov. “AEI has the best B737-800SF conversion on the market with features and reliability that support real-life conditions. Additionally, AEI provides flexible slots which substantially assist our overall fleet planning requirements.
” CargoAir is an important, long-term customer for AEI. Upon completion of this order, CargoAir will operate a total of 15 AEI freighters, including a mix of B737-300SF, B737-400SF, and B737- 800SF freighters.
AEI is currently the only conversion company to have ETOPS 180 approval on the 737-800 freighter conversion. Additionally, AEI can convert all 737-800 line number aircraft including those with Flat Aft Pressure Bulkheads, and Split Scimitar winglets.
The AEI converted B737-800SF freighter offers a main deck payload of up to 52,700 lbs. (23,904 kg) and incorporates eleven full height 88” x 125” container positions, plus an additional position for an AEP/AEH. The conversion also incorporates new floor beams aft of the wing box, a large 86” x 137” Main Cargo Door with a single vent door system.
AEI’s forward-thinking design allows for containers to be loaded into the aircraft a full 16.5” aft of the forward door jamb, ensuring ground operators have sufficient maneuvering room which minimizes potential door and aircraft strikes. Additionally, the AEI B737-800SF includes a flexible Ancra Cargo Loading System, a rigid 9g barrier, five supernumerary seats as standard, a galley, and a full lavatory.
