The 1999 vintage 737-800 had been operated by Corendon Airlines in Turkey. Conversion and the subsequent certification process are scheduled to take approximately a year. This will be AEI's first 737-800NG freighter conversion.

The aircraft will be equipped with a rigid cargo barrier and have 12 main deck pallet positions, 11 full height containers, plus a one-half width container. The aircraft has a maximum structural payload of 23,500 kg (51,800 pounds) and a maximum range of over 2,100 nautical miles.

GECAS plans to convert up to 20 of its Boeing 737-800NG passenger aircraft to freighters with AEI. The conversions will be performed at authorized AEI Conversion Centers at facilities in the U.S. and Asia.

GECAS is also the launch customer for Boeing's 738BCF program, and a similar aircraft will be inducted into their program later this year.

Formed in 2000, GECAS' Cargo Aircraft Group currently leases nearly 100 freighters to airline customers worldwide. Its fleet includes the 737, 767, 747 and 777 freighter models. In July, GECAS announced plans to convert up to 20 737-800NG passenger aircraft to freighters beginning in 2016.

Source: GECAS