Miami-based Aeronautical Engineers (AEI) handed over 28 freighter conversions in 2023, the majority of which were modified Boeing 737-800s.

In all, the company shipped 18 737-800SF conversions, plus five 737-400SFs, a pair of MD-80SFs and three Bombardier CRJ200SFs.

AE 737-800SF second-a-Aeronautical Engineers

Source: Aeronautical Engineers

Company specialises in conversions of Boeing 737-800

However, AEI predicts deliveries in 2024, the majority of which will again be the 737-800SF, will be slightly down year on year due to over-capacity in the passenger-to-freighter conversion market.

“AEI had a solid year in 2023, yet we also understand that the narrowbody freighter market became overbuilt during the pandemic era,” says Robert Convey, AEI senior vice-president of sales and marketing.

“We have been predicting and planning for a moderation in the market over the next 12 months or so to accommodate current demand.”

AEI will use the downturn to complete feasibility studies for the conversion of 737-900 and CRJ900 aircraft, it says.

Dominic Perry is deputy editor of Flight International but also contributes extensively to flightglobal.com. Although specialising in the coverage of the helicopter industry, he has written on most topics in aerospace – be they commercial, defence or business aviation. In addition, there has been an increasing focus on the decarbonisation of the industry and zero-emission flight initiatives.View full Profile

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