Aeronautical Engineers, Inc. (AEI) today announced it has completed its first B737-800SF freighter conversion with a flat aft pressure bulkhead and is currently the only conversion company that is able to modify aircraft with this feature.

“737-800s with flat aft pressure bulkheads represent a small percentage of the entire feedstock, yet AEI’s ability to convert all 737-800 line number aircraft is a huge convenience for our customers, especially leasing customers looking to place their aircraft around the world,” stated Robert T. Convey, AEI’s senior vice president of sales and marketing. “AEI gives its customers the comfort of knowing their asset’s value will be extended without having to worry about any technical or engineering roadblocks that hinder other competing 737-800 modification programs.”

The 737-800 aircraft, MSN 30146, was modified by Commercial Jet’s Miami facility and has since been redelivered to the customer.

AEI can convert all 737-800 line number aircraft, including those with Split Simitar winglets and is also the only conversion company to have ETOPS 180 approval on the 737-800 aircraft.

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.