Aeronautical Engineers, Inc. (AEI) has announced that Jackson Square Aviation (JSA) has placed an order for six (6) AEI B737-800 SF freighter conversions. This agreement represents the first freighter conversion order JSA has placed with AEI.
“We welcome Jackson Square Aviation to the AEI family and are pleased they have chosen the renowned AEI B737-800SF freighter,” stated Robert T. Convey, AEI’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “We look forward to exceeding Jackson Square’s expectations and working with them as they continue to expand their world-class fleet of aircraft.”
The first two aircraft of the order are slated to enter modification in May 2024, with follow-on aircraft scheduled in secession until the sixth aircraft is redelivered to JSA in January 2026. Miami-based Commercial Jet will accomplish conversion related touch labor for all six aircraft. Commercial Jet is an authorized AEI Conversion Center and is AEI’s mainline provider of freighter modifications in the United States.
Kevin McDonald, Chief Executive Officer of JSA, remarked, “We are delighted to partner with AEI for the first of our passenger to freight aircraft conversions. This is a natural evolution of our fleet and allows us to expand our offering to existing and new customers. The 737‐800 freighter offers improved efficiencies and extends the life of the aircraft which supports JSA’s ESG initiatives.”
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 full lavatory.
