Aeronautical Engineers, Inc. (AEI) has announced that Canadian-based Air Inuit has ordered three (3) AEI B737-800 SF freighter conversions with two of the aircraft being converted as combi aircraft. The first aircraft, (MSN 40852) is slated to begin modification in November of this year and will be redelivered in late March 2024. Touch labor and maintenance will be performed by the authorized AEI Conversion Center, KF Aerospace in Kelowna, BC, Canada. AEI is the only conversion company that can convert any line number 737-800 aircraft, including these three aircraft which are all 2012 vintage. The second and third aircraft are slated to commence modification in March 2024 and July 2024 respectively.
“We are honored that Air Inuit has selected the AEI B737-800SF freighter and combi as part of their fleet modernization plans,” stated Robert T. Convey, AEI senior vice president of sales and marketing.
“We welcome Air Inuit to the AEI family of customers and look forward to a successful relationship.” “We are pleased to partner with AEI for our freighter conversion needs for both our B738 freighter operations as well as for our soon-to-come innovative world’s first B738 combi aircraft,” stated Christian Busch, Air Inuit’s president and CEO.
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, and 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.
