Brazil’s Modern Logistics to Acquire Two Boeing 737-800BCF Freighters

Brazilian logistics company Modern Logistics is planning to acquire two 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) aircraft to partially replace its current fleet of four older 737Fs.

The company is currently undertaking talks with lessors and estimates delivery of the first two aircraft by early 2024.

Modern Logistics currently operates two 737-400s and two 737-300s. However, it aims to upgrade its fleet to cater for growth in e-commerce and rising demand for long-haul services.

The latter target is possible now the company has been granted authorisation from the National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil (ANAC) to operate internationally.

The 737-800BCFs are more efficient, ensuring lower operating costs for each payload ton compared to the standard body freighters in the earlier 737 series.

Modern Logistics will evaluate retaining existing 737 aircraft over the short term according to company president Mario Fernandes da Costa.

The company’s potential acquisition of 737-800BCF aircraft is made easier by ANAC approval for Aeronautical Engineers, Inc (AEI) B737-800SF conversions.

Previously, the introduction of ATR 72s (twin-engine turbo props) was considered, but is temporarily suspended although this fleet addition may be reassessed if customer demand arises, said the company.

In addition to its fleet of Boeing 737s, Modern Logistics has more than 6,000 vehicles from approved partners for ground operations.

Through its several distribution centres and cargo terminals, goods are directed to clients via the company’s air and road network from its Viracopos operations base in Campinas, Brazil.