WestJet Cargo took delivery of the first of four Boeing Converted Freighters (B737-800BCF) via lease from BBAM Limited Partnership (BBAM). WestJet Cargo is the first operator in Canada to operate the B737-800BCF and the second airline in the country with a Boeing 737-800 freighter.
«The delivery of our first freighter to our home base in Calgary, Alberta, gives us great confidence in the growth and development of our commercial cargo service and I am eager to see our new dedicated service take off as we begin to provide competitive services to cargo customers across Canada,» said Alexis von Hoensbroech, CEO of WestJet.
Prior to its delivery to WestJet Cargo, Boeing completed the conversion of the first aircraft (MSN 34686) at GAMECO’s recently opened MRO line in Guangzhou, China. WestJet Cargo plans to begin operations in June and would end 2022 with four BCFs in service, accommodating the growing movement of express cargo and e-commerce.
The 15-year-old aircraft was previously operated by German airline TUIfly.
«BBAM is pleased to partner with our long-standing client WestJet in the launch of WestJet Cargo. This is our first North American placement of the Boeing 737-800BCF, an important milestone for BBAM’s industry-leading cargo program,» said Steve Zissis, BBAM president and CEO.
Boeing launched the 737-800BCF program in 2016 and delivered the first aircraft in 2018. The aircraft has a range of 2,025nm (3,750km), 20,600kg (45,400lb) maximum payload and the capacity to carry 12 cargo containers, according to Boeing.
Chrono Aviation is the other airline with Boeing 737-800 freighters.
Chrono Aviation operates a Boeing 737-800 (SF), a conversion variant certified by Aeronautical Engineers, Inc. (AEI).
See also: B737-800SF continues to earn certifications around the world
The 737-800SF is the only 737 family cargo conversion with ETOPS 180 approval, allowing for greater operational flexibility. The conversion can be performed on any model of Boeing aircraft, including those with split scimitar winglets.
The B737-800SF offers a main deck payload of up to 52,700 pounds (23,900 kgs) and features eleven positions for 88″ x 125″ containers. The conversion also incorporates new floor beams at the rear of the wing box and an 86″ x 137″ cargo door. In addition, AEI’s B737-800SF includes an Ancra cargo system, a 9G rigid barrier, five seats, a galley and a full lavatory.
