AEI Receives FAA Certification for B737-800SF

Aeronautical Engineers, Inc. (AEI) is pleased to announce that the company has received an FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (ST02690LA) for the passenger-to-freighter conversion of B737-800 aircraft. The prototype B737-800SF freighter conversion (MSN 29121) was completed in December yet experienced a delay in certification due to the partial government shutdown.

By offering a broad product lineup, including the highly successful B737-400SF, the AEI’s B737-800SF is the latest freighter offering which promises to deliver on AEI’s long-standing reputation for building rugged and reliable freighter conversions, at a price point that owners and operators can afford, all with a straightforward approach to business.

“We believe the AEI B737-800SF will become the industry’s standard narrowbody freighter for the next 40 plus years,” explained Robert Convey, AEI Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing. “When compared to the B737-400SF, the B737-800SF has better fuel burn characteristics combined with a substantial increase in payload capability which will provide operators with improved operating economics.”

AEI has taken great care to ensure the B737-800SF freighter conversion exceeds the rugged demands and changing needs of air freight transportation. The conversion incorporates a reinforced floor structure, 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.

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.

Convey mentioned, “We are still experiencing significant demand for our industry leading B737-400SF freighter and expect the B737-800SF to gain in popularity over the next two years as feedstock prices drop and availability increases.” He added, “But having already secured 111 firm orders and commitments for the B737-800SF, we believe this program will far exceed the success we have had with the B737-400SF program.”

AEI is forecasting that 750 B737-800’s will be converted over the next 40 plus years with AEI capturing over 400 of those conversions.