Mesa Airlines adds a 737-400SF converted freighter from KF Aerospace

Mesa Airlines 737-400SF Photo: KF Aerospace

KF Aerospace announced the delivery of its converted Boeing 737-400SF to US-based air carrier, Mesa Airlines.

The aircraft received a complete maintenance program and Passenger to Freighter Conversion at the KF Aerospace MRO in Kelowna, BC. The conversion included the installation of an 11-ft wide hydraulic-powered cargo door kit supplied by Aeronautical Engineers, Inc., complete with a new freight interior and cargo loading system.

KF’s Engineering division played a critical role in coordinating a series of modifications required for the customer, which included the completion of a rigorous familiarization with the FAA for operation in the United States, requiring test flights at Moses Lake, Washington.

It is one of three KF-owned 737-400 series passenger aircraft to be converted and leased as cargo aircraft. The other two 400 series are currently providing cargo services in Iceland.

“We are pleased to be delivering another high quality and reliable freighter,” says Bryan Akerstream, Director of Business Development. “The B737-400 provides an economical solution for narrow-body cargo operators, and we see an ongoing demand for the aircraft.”

“KF Aerospace continues to expand its air cargo leasing division with aircraft including the 737-300, 737-400, 737-800, and in 2022 we will introduce our first ATR 72-500 conversion,” says Akerstream.

While on lease with Mesa Airlines, the 737-400 freighter will be based in Cincinnati to support their cargo operations.

The 737-400SF (Special Freighter) was not a model delivered by Boeing, but a 737-400 converted to freighter. Alaska Airlines was the first to convert one of their 400s from regular service to an aircraft with the ability to handle 10 pallets. In November 2018, VX Capital launched an ABS secured on 35 Boeing 737-400 freighters valued at $250 million (an average of $7.1 million), to be leased for $100,000 per month each.