Modern Logistics will take delivery of a second 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) in the first half of this year.
The Brazilian integrated logistics company and cargo airline acquired its first 737-800BCF in October last year and expects the freighter to enter service in March.
These two aircraft are expected to support Modern Logistics’ efforts to expand into other Latin American markets, particularly Argentina, Colombia, and Central America, as well as establishing a facility in Miami.
Leased through Babcock & Brown Aircraft Management (BBAM), the 737-800BCFs have passed certification by PCA Airworthiness and have received final approval by ANAC, Brazil’s aviation regulator.
Modern Logistics’ chief executive Cristiano Koga stated: “We are very excited about the addition of two advanced (freighters) to our fleet. The additional capacity and efficiency of the new aircraft will assure the future success of the company by hastening entry into international markets and better responding to the needs and requirements of our clients.”
The introduction of the new 737-800BCFs is part of a fleet renewal initiative by the airline to enhance operational efficiency.
In addition to the two 737-800BCFs, Modern Logistics’ fleet includes one 737-400F (25374) and one 737-300F (24219). The company recently returned a 737-300F (24463) off lease after removing it from service in December 2023. That aircraft was purchased this month by Frontera Flight Holdings.
The company also returned a 737-400F (24125) off lease in January 2023. Aeronaves TSM acquired that aircraft in March 2023 and put it into service in late 2023.
Modern Logistics now joins fellow Brazilian carrier GOL, Aerolinas Argentinas and Panama-based Copa Airlines as the only carriers to operate the 737-800 freighter in Latin America.
Modern Logistics provides logistic services throughout Brazil and is authorised by ANAC to serve international destinations.
The company’s operations are supported by a cargo facility at its Viracopos operations base in Campinas, which is able to accommodate several cargo aircraft simultaneously.
The facility is equipped to meet risk management requirements for transporting high-value cargo across an array of segments, such as industrial, automotive, technology, clothing, electronics, and now pharmaceuticals.
More recently, a special distribution centre was opened at the Viracopos base that exclusively serves the pharmaceutical sector. The company said the opening of the centre “makes Modern Logistics the first integrated logistics company in Brazil to have, in a domestic terminal, its own warehouse equipped in accordance with Anvisa’s requirements to serve the pharmaceutical industry”.
Modern Logistics said it is now well prepared to serve e-commerce in the “middle mile” (port-to-distribution centre). “We have already started operating for e-commerce, and the expectation is that we will grow in this segment from now on,” said Koga.
In addition to its fleet of Boeing 737s, the company has more than 6,000 vehicles from approved partners for ground operations. Through its seven distribution centres and cargo terminals, goods are transported to customers via the company’s air and road network from its Viracopos operations base.
