Ireland-based and New York-listed lessor AerCap said it has taken delivery of a 50th 737-800 Boeing freighter after conversion by maintenance and modification specialists COOPESA.
The jet was then passed on to GOL Linhas Aéreas, which will operate it for Latin-American e-commerce company, as part of the growth strategy and logistics solution of GOLLOG, Gol's logistics business unit.
"We are delighted to celebrate this milestone delivery with our partners at Boeing and our longstanding customer, GOL. Since the programme launched in 2016, we have seen unprecedented demand for express air cargo from e-commerce retail businesses," said Rich Greener, head of AerCap Cargo. "Today, the 737-800BCF is one of the most in-demand narrowbody freighter aircraft in the industry, thanks to its versatility and reliability, making it the perfect choice for express air cargo and e-commerce networks."
"We thank AerCap Cargo for their early confidence in the 737-800BCF, and congratulate them on this milestone," said Kate Schaefer, vice president of Boeing's commercial modifications, engineering and specialty products business. AerCap was the launch customer for the aircraft in 2016 and received its first of the range two years later.
AerCap Cargo has more than 25 years' experience in freighter leasing including over 100 passenger-to-freighter conversions, with a range of customers including West Atlantic Group, Amazon Air, GOL, JD.com, Kargo Xpress, ASL and Longhao Airlines.
AerCap separately announced that it had signed lease agreements for four Boeing 777-300ERSF aircraft with Hong Kong-based cargo charter carrier Fly Meta, with delivery scheduled for 2024 to 2025.
"AerCap is delighted to welcome Fly Meta as a new customer to the 777-300ERSF 'The Big Twin' freighter conversion program," said Greener.
"We are confident that the situation will change for the better as China lifts its Covid restrictions, and that the cargo market will grow steadily over the coming years. We believe that the volume capabilities and greater cost efficiencies of the 777-300ERSF will give us a competitive advantage in the market." said Helen Chen, chief executive of Fly Meta.
The deal entails what AerCap said is the first passenger-to-freighter aircraft conversion programme for the aircraft, which it launched in 2019 with Israel Aerospace Industries Group. The lessor said it has firm orders for 20 of the freighters.