Hong Kong-based China Aircraft Leasing Group Holdings Limited (CALC) and Aeronautical Engineers, Inc. (AEI) have signed a contract for the modification of its first AEI B737-800SF freighter.

In a statement, CALC said the aircraft  (MSN: 30516) will commence modification at the end of July and will be redelivered to CALC in October 2022.

Touch labour and maintenance requirements will be completed by the authorised AEI conversion centre, STAECO, located in Shandong, P.R. China.

CALC noted that the AEI converted B737-800SF freighter offers a maindeck payload of over 23 tonnes and incorporates eleven full-height 88" x 125" container positions, plus an additional position for an AEP/AEH. 

The conversion also incorporates new floor beams aft of the wing box, a large 86" x 137" Main Cargo Door with a single vent door system.

"We shall develop this freighter business further as it enables us to exploit in full the utility of our aircraft assets to serve the escalating demand for cargo capacities globally and meet operators’ needs via a prevalent freighter aircraft model while contributing to a greener and sustainable aviation industry," said Mike Poon, CALC chief executive.

CALC said AEI is currently the only conversion company to have ETOPS 180 approval on the 737-800 freighter conversion. Additionally, AEI can convert all 737-800 line number aircraft, including those with Split Scimitar winglets.