Alaska Air Cargo closed a deal for the conversion of two 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters (BCF), which will add to its freighter fleet. These 737-800BCFs will increase the company’s cargo fleet from three to five aircraft, all used in Alaska.
The two aircraft will come from Alaska Airlines’ existing passenger fleet. The aircraft will be converted from its current passenger to freighter configuration beginning in 2023, with the last unit planned for completion in early 2024. Cooperativa Autogestionaria de Servicios Aeroindustriales (COOPESA), in Costa Rica, is in charge of the conversion work.
Adam Drouhard, CEO of Alaska Air Cargo, said that «Expanding our fleet better positions us to meet the growing demand we see from both the industry and from consumers. These 737-800s offer 40% more cargo space than our current 737-700s, so we will nearly double our cargo capacity.»
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Marilyn Romano, Alaska Airlines regional vice president, added: «Alaskans have always relied on Alaska Air Cargo to provide urgent services to their communities. Whether it’s vaccines, medicine, household supplies, or fresh food, our freighters keep rural Alaska supplied and connected. We serve 20 communities across the state, with only three accessible by road. Adding these aircraft to our existing fleet allows us to expand our services, which are vital to Alaskans.»
Mike Doellefeld, vice president of Boeing Converted Freighters and Engineering Services, Boeing, closed, «We are pleased that Alaska Air Cargo has selected the 737-800BCF to meet the growing demand for air cargo in the state of Alaska. The 737-800BCF can deliver more capacity where their customers need it most, and with fewer emissions.»
The 737-800 provides a payload of nearly 50,000 pounds (22,600 kgs) and a range of 2,800 nautical miles. Alaska Airlines has 61 737-800s in its fleet. So far, the registration numbers of the aircraft to be converted have not been disclosed.
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