West Atlantic Sweden (T2, Malmö) has agreed to lease four B737-800(BCF) freighters from GECAS. The airline will be the first operator to take delivery of the Boeing standard-body converted freighter.
The US-based lessor launched the B737-800's Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) program and provided the prototype aircraft to Boeing in 2016. The first aircraft is currently undergoing conversion at Boeing’s modification facility in Shanghai and is due for delivery at the end of 2017. Two more will follow in 2018 and one in 2019.
Once completed, the B737-800BCF will be equipped with CFM56-7B engines, and will be able to carry up to 23.9 tonnes of cargo with twelve main deck positions over 2,000 nautical miles.
“We’re excited to be the first operator of the B737-800BCF,” West Atlantic’s CEO, Fredrik Groth, said. “The additional capacity and Next Generation efficiency offered by this new aircraft will deliver real benefit to our customers and we’re delighted to be at the forefront of deliveries of this new technology. The B737-800BCF will be an enabler for us to make a leap in reliability, capacity, and ability to expand in areas of the world away from our traditional markets, such as Asia.”
Specializing in mail and express freight, West Atlantic operates three B767-200(SF)s, thirty-two BAe ATP(F)s, and two CRJ(F)s while its Atlantic Airlines (United Kingdom) (Coventry) unit operates six B737-300(F)s and eight B737-400(F)s (four of which are leased to EAT Leipzig).
As previously reported, the freight carrier is believed to be scouting for opportunities in Asia using Singapore as a key hub.
