GAMECO expands 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter capacity to meet strong market demand
Feb. 9, 2021
GAMECO (Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Company Limited) today announced the addition of a third conversion line for the 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) at its Guangzhou facility.
Concurrently, GAMECO also is inducting the first aircraft into its second BCF line, which was announced in September 2020.With the addition of the third line, GAMECO also will take steps to implement a new takted production system.
“GAMECO is excited to continue our partnership with Boeing to satisfy freighter conversion demand for years to come,” said GAMECO General Manager Norbert Marx. “Adding a third line gives us the opportunity to implement an innovative and scalable production concept for conversions. This concept will boost deliveries and improve further efficiency.”
“Boeing launched our BCF program at GAMECO amidst the pandemic, and their commitment to quality and quickly scaling their operations is a great achievement,” said Peter Gao, Boeing vice president, Commercial Sales and Marketing for China. “Our partnership with GAMECO strengthens our presence in the region, benefits us both and brings immense value to our customers today and into the future.”
Based on the popular Next-Generation 737, the 737-800BCF is meeting customer demand for a newer-generation freighter that offers higher reliability and lower fuel consumption and operating costs per trip compared to other standard body freighters. Primarily used to carry express cargo on domestic or short-haul routes, the airplane is capable of carrying up to 23.9 tonnes (52,800 pounds) and flying up to 3,750 kilometers (2,025 nautical miles). To date, the airplane was won more than 150 orders and commitments.
According to the most recent Boeing Commercial Market Outlook, 2,430 freighters will enter the global fleet over the next 20 years to meet market demand, including 1,080 standard-body passenger-to-freighter conversions Asia will account for approximately 40 percent of the standard body freighter market demand.
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