Ducommun Incorporated (NYSE:DCO) (“Ducommun” or the “Company”) has begun work to manufacture aluminum aircraft structures for the Next-Generation 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) program. Ducommun is manufacturing fuselage skins that frame the cargo door of the converted aircraft at the Company’s operations in Gardena and Orange, Calif., through 2021.

“Ducommun has the people, expertise and longstanding commitment required to produce reliable aluminum structures for Boeing’s Next-Generation 737 converted freighters,” said Stephen G. Oswald, president and chief executive officer, Ducommun. “We’re here to support the Boeing team as they meet the growing demand for freighters worldwide, particularly in the Chinese market. This is an outstanding opportunity for our company, and we anticipate additional orders on this program in the years to come.”

According to Boeing, the first 737-800BCF is expected to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2017. Ideal for shipping express cargo on domestic routes, the 737-800BCF offers operators increased payload, higher reliability and superior efficiency over previous-generation standard-body freighters.