LATAM Cargo began taking delivery of the first Boeing 767s converted to freighter aircraft, following the expansion plan foreseen for the next two years. Coincidentally, the 50th 767-300BCF to be converted joined its fleet.
The aircraft has serial number 35,697 and operated for the group’s passenger division prior to its modification by ST Engineering in Singapore. On December 18, it arrived in Miami (MIA) to begin its first commercial operations.
This is the fourth converted aircraft that LATAM Cargo has received since the other three are ex-LATAM Argentina (LV-CKU, LV-CDQ, and LV-CFV). Another seven Boeing 767s will be delivered from the Boeing factory after having gone through its various subsidiaries in Brazil, Chile, the United States, and Colombia.
See also: Boeing and GAMECO to open two new 767-300BCF conversion lines
10In May 2021 LATAM Airlines had disclosed a major expansion plan that would bring its fleet to seven Boeing 767-300Fs and fourteen Boeing 767-300BCFs by 2023, to support the growing cargo movement in the region and consolidate its position as the leading freighter operator group in South America.
The company explained that this will strengthen connectivity from the region to North America and vice versa. In particular, the connection between Colombia and Ecuador will be reinforced in order to support the export of the floriculture sector. The Chilean salmon export and import market will also be supported. In Brazil, the capacity to and from North America and Europe will be increased, promoting both the export and import markets.
The 767-300BCF can carry up to 51.6 tons (113,900 pounds) with a range of 3,345 nautical miles (6,190 kilometers). Boeing expects that 1,720 freighter conversions will be needed over the next 20 years. The model has accumulated orders -between frim and alternative requests- for more than 100 units.
