Boeing has introduced a brand new partnership with a Costa Rica-based upkeep, restore and overhaul supplier (MRO) to create further conversion capability for the 737-800 transformed freighter.
The American large will open two 737-800BCF conversion strains with Cooperativa Autogestionaria de Servicios Aeroindustriales (Coopesa) in Alajuela.
The choice comes as categorical and e-commerce markets proceed to drive robust demand for manufacturing and transformed freighters.
The primary of the brand new conversion strains is predicted to open in early 2022, with the second anticipated later that yr.
Boeing forecasts 1,500 freighter conversions will likely be wanted over the subsequent 20 years to fulfill rising demand.
Of these, 1,080 will likely be standard-body conversions, with almost 30 per cent of that demand coming from North America and Latin America.
“Coopesa has demonstrated the technical experience and dedication to high quality and execution essential to assist us meet the rising buyer demand for the 737-800BCF, together with within the Americas,” mentioned Jens Steinhagen, director of Boeing freighter conversions.
“Boeing is happy to have Coopesa be a part of our staff of MRO companions as we ship our market-leading transformed freighters to prospects all over the world.”
At the moment, Boeing converts 737-800 passenger planes to freighters at three areas: Boeing Shanghai Aviation Companies (BSAS) in Shanghai, China; Guangzhou Plane Upkeep Engineering (Gameco) in Guangzhou, China; and Taikoo (Shandong) Plane Engineering (STAECO) in Jinan, China.
Thus far, the 737-800BCF has gained greater than 180 orders and commitments from 15 prospects on 4 continents.
