Boeing Delivers 100th 767 Freighter to SF Airlines
Boeing has reached a major milestone in its converted freighter program by delivering its 100th 767-300BCF to SF Airlines, the world’s largest operator of this aircraft type. The milestone was celebrated on Valentine’s Day at the Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Company (GAMECO) Phase III Hangar in China, marking a significant achievement in the 17-year history of the program.
The 767-300BCF Converted Freighter, known for its efficiency and versatility in the air cargo sector, has become a vital asset for SF Airlines. The aircraft is engineered to carry up to 56.5 tons (124,600 pounds) of cargo over distances of up to 3,345 nautical miles (6,190 kilometers). With a total cargo volume of 15,724 cubic feet and 24 pallet positions on the main deck—providing 11,884 cubic feet in the main deck and 3,410 cubic feet in the lower hold—the 767-300BCF offers unmatched operational flexibility for both domestic and international routes.
Doug Backhus, Boeing’s Vice President of Cabin, Modifications and Maintenance, remarked on the occasion, “Celebrating the 100th completed 767-300BCF with SF Airlines and GAMECO is a testament to the strong collaboration that goes into designing, converting, and operating these versatile freighters.” Backhus emphasized that the 767-300BCF is expected to continue playing a crucial role in the air cargo sector for decades to come, providing reliability and performance that meet the evolving needs of operators.
The milestone is especially noteworthy for SF Airlines, which has integrated the 767-300BCF into its growing fleet as a backbone of its network operations. Based at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX), SF Airlines currently operates 19 767-300BCFs out of a total fleet of 77 air cargo planes. Li Gang, Vice President of Maintenance at SF Airlines, highlighted the impact of the converted freighter on the airline’s business: “Whether on busy domestic routes or challenging international routes, the 767-300BCF has demonstrated high reliability and stability, helping SF Airlines continuously expand its business landscape.”
The ceremony in Guangzhou was a joint celebration of the longstanding partnership between Boeing and GAMECO. The two companies first began working together in 2020 on a 737-800 passenger-to-freighter conversion project. Dr. Marc Szepan, General Manager of GAMECO, expressed his delight in being part of Boeing’s Converted Freighter program for both the 767-300BCF and 737-800BCF models. “Having the opportunity to celebrate the completion of the 100th 767-300BCF conversion is a particular honor for the entire GAMECO team,” said Dr. Szepan, adding that the collaboration supports the impressive growth of SF Airlines.
Boeing’s 767-300BCF program, now celebrating 100 successful conversions over 17 years, is a cornerstone of modern air cargo operations. The program not only highlights Boeing’s innovation in aircraft conversion but also underscores the importance of strategic partnerships in addressing the dynamic demands of the global cargo market. As SF Airlines continues to expand its network, the reliability and efficiency of the 767-300BCF will remain a critical element in driving operational success and supporting future growth in the competitive air cargo industry.
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