AEI to Provide EGYPTAIR with its First B737-800SF Freighter Conversion
“As part of EGYPTAIR’s plan to modernize its cargo and passengers’ fleet, EGYPTAIR Cargo has signed a contract with Aeronautical Engineers, Inc. (AEI) for B737-800SF freighter conversion” said Capt. Amr Abu El-Enein, Chairman and CEO of EGYPTAIR Holding Company.
He also stated that (AEI) is the global leader in the aircraft passenger-to-freighter conversion business and is the oldest conversion company in existence today.
Abu El-Enein added that the company currently owns 3 Airbus A330-200 freighters, with a capacity of 60 tons per craft,
He also stated that the company seeks to increase the size of its fleet in order to open new freight markets in the coming years because increasing the fleet contributes to meeting the needs of the local market in terms of exporting goods abroad, especially crops.
Abu El-Enein added that the activities of the Cargo company have recently increased during the COVID-19 period, and the air cargo movement has grown by operating new flights to a number of countries all over with the aim of covering the increasing demand for transporting medical items with the aim of controlling the spread of the Corona virus as well as exporting the agricultural crops.
” The aircraft is scheduled to commence modification in October 2022.The conversion and the maintenance requirements will be accomplished by the authorized AEI Conversion Center, Commercial Jet, in Miami, Florida”stated Ahmed Shahin, Chairman of EGYPTAIR Cargo Company.
Shahin also added that once the conversion completed, it will be the first AEI B737-800SF converted freighter to be own and operated by EGYPTAIR.
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.
He also stated that The AEI converted B737-800SF freighter offers a main deck payload of up to 52,700 lbs. (23,904 kg) 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.
AEI’s forward-thinking design allows for containers to be loaded into the aircraft a full 16.5” aft of the forward door jamb, ensuring ground operators have sufficient maneuvering room which minimizes potential door and aircraft strikes. Additionally, the AEI B737-800SF includes a flexible Ancra Cargo Loading System, a rigid 9g barrier, five supernumerary seats as standard, a galley, and full lavatory.
