Aeronautical Engineers, Inc. (AEI) is pleased to announce the CAAC has issued a VSTC (VSTC0933) for the passenger-to-freighter conversion for B737-800 aircraft. The VSTC validates the original FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (ST02690LA) which was awarded to AEI at the beginning of 2019.

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, and a flexible Ancra Cargo Loading System. Additionally, the AEI B737-800SF includes a rigid 9g barrier, up to five supernumerary seats, a galley and full lavatory.

AEI is forecasting that roughly 750 B737-800’s will be converted over the next 40 plus years with AEI capturing over 400 of those conversions. The company has already secured 111 firm orders and commitments for the B737-800SF.