GAMECO and Boeing celebrate redelivery of first 767-300BCF airplane from Guangzhou conversion line
GUANGZHOU, China, October 28, 2022 — Boeing and Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Company Ltd. (GAMECO) today celebrated the completion of China’s first 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) from the GAMECO conversion line located in Guangzhou.
“This marks the first redelivery for 767-300BCF airplanes from GAMECO, and there are more to come,” said Peter Gao, vice president, Boeing Commercial Sales and Marketing for China. “The GAMECO conversion line in Guangzhou secures the capacity and ability to meet the needs of our customers in China and other global locations. GAMECO has proven their technical expertise, commitment and ability to overcome challenges to execute conversions, and we will rely on them to continue to drive success for our medium widebody BCF program, in addition to the well-established narrow body 737BCF program at GAMECO.”
With a recent ramp up in their production facilities, GAMECO currently has two passenger-to-freighter conversion lines for the 767-300BCF and three conversion lines for the 737-800BCF in operation. The first 767-300BCF line started in the second quarter of 2022 and the second line opened in September, 2022. Boeing earlier also announced plans to add eight 737-800BCF conversion lines across new and existing MRO suppliers in China, and at other global sites.
“Boeing’s support and trust during this first 767-300BCF conversion were key for a successful certification and handover,” said GAMECO General Manager, Dr. Marc Szepan. “Having all five Boeing conversion lines operational now, GAMECO continues to strive for continuously increasing productivity and efficiency to support Boeing and their customers. Their support enables us to further develop our operation and to build a solid foundation for the coming years.”
The Boeing 767-300BCF is a versatile aircraft that allows carriers to develop in long-haul, regional and feeder markets. With the lowest operating cost per trip among converted medium-widebody freighters, it now has more than 100 orders and commitments.
According to the 2022 Boeing Commercial Market Outlook, Boeing forecasts a need for 1,855 freighter conversions over the next 20 years. The report also projects the global freighter fleet, including both production freighters and passenger-to-freighter conversions, will increase by 80% by 2041. The expanded partnership between Boeing and GAMECO will enable additional readiness and responsiveness to meet projected long-term market demand for converted freighters.