West Atlantic Airlines is to lease four Boeing 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters from GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS), making it the first operator of this aircraft.
The first aircraft is undergoing the conversion at Boeing’s modification facility in Shanghai, with subsequent aircraft deliveries due in 2018 and 2019, bringing West Atlantic’s fleet to more than 50 freighters.
The 737-800BCF will be equipped with CFM56-7B engines, and carries up to 23.9 tonnes of cargo with 12 main deck positions over 2,000 nautical miles.
West Atlantic chief executive officer, Fredrik Groth says the airline is excited to be first operator of the 737-800BCF, saying: “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 737-800BCF 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.”
GECAS senior vice president & manager cargo, Richard Greener says: “GECAS is proud to provide these 737-800 converted freighters to West Atlantic, transitioning into the Next Generation 737 is a logical step as West Atlantic defines its future fleet requirements.”
