Alaska Airlines Bolsters Cargo Operations with First Converted 737-800F Freighter

In a significant move to expand its cargo operations, Alaska Airlines has welcomed the first Boeing 737-800F aircraft, converted from passenger to freighter configuration, to its fleet. This addition, which landed at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport earlier this week, is set to be a valuable asset to the airline’s cargo armature, augmenting its existing fleet of three Boeing 737-700F freighters.

This milestone is a fruit of a contract inked in November 2022, wherein Boeing undertook the conversion responsibilities at its Shanghai facility in China. Alaska Airlines is slated to receive its second 737-800F, similarly converted, in the early quarters of 2024. Significantly, both these aircraft, earmarked for conversion, are drawn from the airline’s active passenger fleet and are set to be leased through BBAM, a globally recognized entity specializing in aircraft leasing and freighter conversions.

A noteworthy feature of the 737-800F freighter is its impressive payload capacity of 50,000 pounds, registering a 40% surge over the 737-700F freighter. Moreover, with an extended range of 2,800 nautical miles, it is poised to connect a wider network of destinations throughout Alaska and the North American continent. Adam Drouhard, Alaska Air Cargo’s Managing Director, expressed enthusiasm about the strategic move, underlining that the new inductees would almost double the airline’s present cargo capacity and expand its operational network. “Our aim is to buttress Alaska’s supply chain and facilitate cargo connectivity across the 100+ cities we cater to in North America,” said Drouhard.

Annually, Alaska Air Cargo undertakes the mammoth task of transporting in excess of 200 million pounds of varied cargo, ranging from seafood and mail to other freight types. The airline takes pride in its unparalleled air cargo operations along the U.S. West Coast, outstripping any of its passenger airline counterparts.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, news.alaskaair.com