In 2021 Aerolíneas Argentinas retired two of the oldest Boeing 737-800s in its fleet, which were registered LV-CTB and LV-CTC. It was recently announced that one of them will be converted into a freighter for a Canadian airline.
Last April, Quebec-based Chrono Aviation announced that it would incorporate two Boeing 737-800s, one owned and one leased. Now it has finally been revealed that it has closed a conversion deal with Aeronautical Engineers, Inc. (AEI) for one of the 737s which has serial number 30478, i.e. LV-CTB.
The aircraft will feature the airline’s traditional black livery. Photo: Aeronautical Engineers, Inc.
The AEI-converted freighter offers a main deck payload of up to 52,700 lbs. (23,904 kg) and accommodates eleven 88 “x 125” full-height container positions, plus an extra one for an AEP / AEH. The conversion also incorporates new floor beams behind the wing box, as well as a large 86 “x 137” main cargo door with a ventilation system.
Additionally, the AEI B737-800SF includes a flexible Ancra cargo system, a 9g rigid barrier, five standard supernumerary seats, a galley, and a full lavatory.
This aircraft will be based in Winnipeg, thus marking a presence in Western Canada. The ex-LV-CTB will be delivered in June 2022. Arctic Co-ops contracted one of the Boeing 737s to deliver perishable goods to the Canadian arctic in the province of Nunavut.
“With this new-generation aircraft, we will be able to serve a completely new market that is experiencing tremendous growth. We are entering the international air cargo industry. With the continued goal of innovation and conquering new markets, Chrono Aviation, one of Quebec’s largest airlines, is once again standing out by becoming the first carrier in Canada to introduce a Boeing 737-800 SF,” said Vincent Gagnon, President of Chrono Aviation Group.
