Aeronautical Engineers, Inc. (AEI) has announced that the CAAC has issued a VSTC (VSTC0933) for the passenger-to-freighter conversion for B737-800 aircraft. The VSTC validates the original FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (ST02690LA) which was awarded to AEI at the beginning of 2019.
The AEI converted B737-800SF freighter offers a main deck payload of up to 52,700 lbs. (23,904 kg) and incorporates eleven full height 88” x 125” container positions, plus an additional position for an AEP/AEH. The conversion also incorporates new floor beams aft of the wing box, a large 86” x 137” Main Cargo Door with a single vent door system, and a flexible Ancra Cargo Loading System. Additionally, the AEI B737-800SF includes a rigid 9g barrier, up to five supernumerary seats, a galley and full lavatory.
AEI is forecasting that roughly 750 B737-800s will be converted over the next 40 plus years with AEI capturing over 400 of those conversions. The company has already secured 111 firm orders and commitments for the B737-800SF.