Lessor GECAS is to take up to 20 more Boeing 737-800 converted freighters, having firmed up orders for 11 of the cargo jets.
GECAS’s top-up agreement – its third, and one which includes nine additional options – takes its overall orders for the type to 60 with 14 options.
Conversion of the 20 737-800BCF aircraft would take place over 2022-24, says the lessor.
Boeing launched the conversion programme with GECAS in 2016 and the lessor delivered the first 737-800BCF, to UK-Swedish cargo specialist West Atlantic Group, two years later.
GECAS has received 23 of the modified 737s for which it placed orders.
“The versatility and reliability of these freighters is appealing to our air cargo customers,” says GECAS Cargo senior vice-president Richard Greener.
He says the type, with its 23.9t payload capability and 2,000nm range, is particularly adapted to the expanding express and e-commerce markets.
