Aeronautical Engineers, Inc. (AEI) has announced that Haikou-based Hainan Airlines has commenced its second AEI B737-800SF freighter conversion as part of a three-freighter conversion order.
The aircraft (MSN 32603) commenced modification on January 5. Grand China Aviation Maintenance (GCAM) is performing the modification touch labor and maintenance requirements. While not yet scheduled, the third aircraft is expected to commence modification immediately following the completion of MSN 32603.
AEI has stated that Tianjin Air Cargo has since assumed the original Hainan agreement for the second conversion and will operate the aircraft to support the airlines growing cargo operations.
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.
AEI’s design allows for containers to be loaded into the aircraft a full 16.5” aft of the forward door jamb, ensuring ground operators have sufficient manoeuvring room which minimizes potential door and aircraft strikes. Additionally, the AEI B737-800SF includes a flexible Ancra Cargo Loading System, a rigid 9g barrier, five supernumerary seats as standard, a galley, and full lavatory.