Aircompany Armenia and Georgian Airlines order three Boeing 737-800BCFs

Aircompany Armenia and its partner company Georgian Airlines have ordered three 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters (BCF) as part of the group’s plan to add more dedicated cargo airplanes to its operations in the Caucasus region.

The first 737-800BCF on order will be delivered next year, with deliveries continuing into 2024, said Boeing. The converted freighters will be operated by Georgian Airlines, which already operates one 737-800BCF.

The 737-800s will be modified at Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Company Limited (GAMECO) and at Taikoo (Shandong) Aircraft Engineering Co. Ltd. (STAECO) in China.

“We are thrilled to bring more much-needed air cargo capacity to the region with the addition of three 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters,” said Tamaz Gaiashvili, president of Georgian Airlines Group. “The 737-800BCF has the payload, range and capability to carry both e-commerce and general cargo.”

Stephanie Pope, president and chief executive of Boeing Global Services, added: “We are pleased Aircompany Armenia and Georgian Airlines have selected the 737-800BCF to meet growing demand for air cargo in the markets they serve, and are honoured to continue to support their dedicated freighter operations’ expansion.”

The 737-800BCF carries more payload – up to 23.9 tons (52,800 lbs.) – and flies farther – 3,750 km (2,025 nautical miles) compared to 737 Classic freighters. The 737-800BCF has secured more than 250 orders and commitments from more than 20 customers, said Boeing.

In its recently published Commercial Market Outlook (CMO) for 2022-2041, Boeing predicted that over the next 20 years the global freighter fleet will grow by 80%, with conversions accounting for two third of deliveries.

Rebecca Jeffrey www.aircargonews.net