GECAS has contracted to add six 737-800BCFs to its in-service fleet, which will bring the company’s active fleet of converted 737-800NG to more than 40.

This number represents an average of one aircraft added per month since the world’s first P2F conversion of the Boeing narrowbody jet was delivered in April 2018, the company noted.

Two of the six freighters ordered will be leased to Atran and the remaining four with undisclosed operators. A repeat customer, Atran recently took delivery of two 738BCF from GECAS and is set to add two more of the P2F narrowbody freighter in September.

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With thee additional operating leases for 737-800BCFs, Vitaliy Andreev, general director of Atran, said the converted freighters will support the airline’s ongoing fleet development strategy and enable the smooth phase-out of older freighters and ramp up delivery options.

GECAS counted more than 110 P2F conversions completed from its own feedstock since 2003, which include widebody 747s and 767s, and various types of 737 classic and NG narrowbody jets.

The aircraft lessor said it holds orders and options exceeding 100 between the narrowbody 737-800BCF and widebody 777-300ERSF, which the company secured through the ‘Big Twin’ joint programme with Israel Aerospace Industries.

“The team at GECAS Cargo takes pride in ensuring our airline clients are afforded a steady flow of available Boeing converted freighters to enter service on time and meet the demand of the Air Cargo networks,” said Richard Greener, SVP and manager.