Modern Logistics Explores 737-800 Freighters
Brazilian integrated logistics firm Modern Logistics is moving forward with plans to add two 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters (BCF) to its fleet.
The São Paulo-based airline said it is finalising an agreement with lessor Babcock & Brown Aircraft Management (BBAM) to lease a 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF), the first of two of this type due to be added to its fleet.
Modern Logistics expects the first aircraft, MSN 33566, to be delivered to Campinas Brazil Viracopos International Airport in August.
The company said it anticipates delivery of a second 737-800 BCF in the first quarter of 2024, but told Air Cargo News (ACN) it was not yet able to confirm the supplier.
Modern Logistics has also appointed Cristiano Koga as its new chief executive, effective immediately.
Koga, a former vice president of FedEx South America, brings to Modern Logistics 23 years of management, international trade, logistics and shipping experience in organisations across the Americas and Europe.
He succeeds Mario Fernandes da Costa, who will continue his role as chief financial officer and will also take on the position of chief transformation officer, as well as joining the company’s board of directors in New York.
Fernandes da Costa said: “We are very pleased to have negotiated the agreement with BBAM as the company transitions to a new generation of Boeing 737-800s from its current freighter fleet of Classic 737-300s and 737-400s.”
Modern Logistics will receive technical support from PCA Airworthiness, the São Paulo-based aviation engineering and consulting firm, in connection with the new 737 acquisitions.
Koga stated: “I am very pleased with the collaboration and expertise of BBAM and PCA and anxiously look forward to the delivery of the new aircraft. The additional capacity and efficiency of the new aircraft will assure the future success of the company by better responding to the needs and requirements of our clients.”
Modern Logistics said it currently has three classic 737s in its fleet.
The company said it has also extended its lease with Automatic LLC on one of its existing aircraft while an extension on a second freighter is under consideration.
The introduction of the new 737-800s is part of a fleet renewal to enhance operational efficiency. As the replacement of the existing fleet will take place gradually, the company will operate both classic 737s and next-generation 737s in the near term.
Fernandes noted that the next generation of 737s are more cost-efficient in terms of ton-miles transported and have a cargo capacity approximately 10% larger than the previous generation of 737s.