Aeronautical Engineers, Inc. (AEI) is pleased to announce Aircastle Limited (Aircastle) has placed an order for four AEI B737-800SF freighter conversions. This is the first order received by AEI from Aircastle for the B737-800SF freighter conversion.

All four aircraft will be modified by the authorized AEI Conversion Center, KF Aerospace based in Canada. The first aircraft will commence modification in July 2022, and the final aircraft will commence modification in March 2023.

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.

When combined with proven reliability, the AEI converted B737-800SF will enable Aircastle to maximize the value of these aircraft over their extended economic lives and serve the growing global demand for air cargo.