PT Rusky Aero Indonesia signs AerCap lease for 737-800BCFs ahead of launch

Lessor AerCap has signed lease agreements for two 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters (BCF) with new cargo airline, PT Rusky Aero Indonesia, operating as Raindo United Services.

The first passenger-to-freighter conversion will be completed by Boeing Shanghai Aviation Services Co. Ltd. (BSAS), and the second by Taikoo (Shandong) Aircraft Engineering Co. Ltd. (STAECO). Each will have a capacity of 23 tons.

Last month, the airline said it planned to launch domestic and international freighter services in July this year.

The airline will operate domestic routes including Jakarta, Medan, Balikpapan, Makassar and Surabaya, as well as international routes to Singapore, Hong Kong and Guangzhou.

“We are very pleased to welcome Raindo as a new customer to AerCap and to lease them their very first aircraft,” said Richard Greener, the head of AerCap Cargo. “We wish the team every success as they launch their air cargo operations and look forward to working with them as these aircraft deliver.”

Benny Rustanto, founder of Raindo United Services, said: “On behalf of the entire organisation, I would like to express our gratitude to AerCap for their continuous support and commitment to our partnership.

“We believe this strategic step will allow us to benefit the community, especially the MSME (Micro, Small, Medium Enterprises) industry in Indonesia, through the seamless and sustainable connectivity logistic delivery experience of Raindo United Services.”

In January, AerCap Cargo marked the delivery of its 50th 737-800BCF. The aircraft was redelivered to GOL Linhas Aéreas.

AerCap’s 737-800BCF customers include West Atlantic Group, Amazon Air, GOL, JD.com, Kargo Xpress, ASL, Tianjin Cargo and Longhao Airlines.