LE BOURGET, France, June 19, 2019—ASL Aviation Holdings DAC (ASL) and Boeing [NYSE: BA] signed a Memorandum of Understanding for 20 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters (BCF), bringing the world’s first Next-Generation 737-800 freighter conversion to 120 orders and commitments, from eight customers. The agreement includes 10 firm orders and 10 purchase rights.

“Having operated two leased 737-800BCFs across our wide European network, we are very pleased with how the flexibility and reliability of these freighters fulfill our operational needs in meeting our customer requirements,” said Hugh Flynn, Chief Executive, ASL Aviation Holdings. “The aircraft is highly efficient and right-sized for our developing operations on behalf of our express cargo customers who are experiencing growing demand. The 737-800BCF will also give us access to new markets.”

Operating on six continents, ASL provides network solutions to express freight integrators, transporting more than 357,000 metric tonnes of cargo in 2018.

“This order is a great testimonial of the unique capabilities of a 737-800 converted freighter. ASL Aviation has seen firsthand how this platform is perfectly suited to fly express cargo on domestic and short haul routes. We are honored that ASL Aviation is growing its business with the 737-800BCF,” said Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president of Commercial Sales & Marketing for The Boeing Company. “With more operators seeking out the 737-800BCF, we are looking to expand our conversion capacity to support our customers and their growth plans.”

Boeing recently inaugurated new conversion lines at Boeing Shanghai Aviation Services (BSAS) and Taikoo (Shandong) Aircraft Engineering Company (STAECO), while looking to expand further. The program is committed to more than double 737-800BCF output this year, going from eight conversions in 2018 to 17 in 2019.

Boeing predicts that 2,650 freighters will be delivered between 2018-2037, with more than 60 percent of these deliveries comprised of passenger-to-freighter conversions.

Already operating on four continents (Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America) after entering service last year, the 737-800BCF is certified by various global regulators: the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, the European Aviation Safety Agency, the Civil Aviation Administration of China, and Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency.

The 737-800BCF carries more payload – up to 23.9 tonnes (52,800 lbs.) – and flies farther – 2,000 nautical miles (3,750 km) compared to 737 Classic freighters. It also offers operators improved fuel efficiency, lower operating cost, and higher reliability than previous standard-body freighters.