Aircraft lessor and ACMI airline operator ASL Aviation Holdings earlier this week announced an order for up to 20 additional 737-800BCFs (Boeing converted freighters), bringing up its total order to 40 for the Boeing narrowbody freight jet.

The agreement is for 10 firm orders and 10 purchase rights. The aircraft will be converted by Boeing at approved MRO sites, including STAECO in Jinan and at the company’s London Gatwick MRO facility in the United Kingdom.

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Jens Steinhagen, director of Boeing Converted Freighters, said the freighter conversion programme supports the progress towards sustainability goals by providing operators ‘an economical way to replace less efficient, older-generation freighters.’

The 737-800BCF is considered a step-up from the 737 Classic freighter with more payload (up to 23.9 tonnes) and a flight range of 2,025 nautical miles. The Dublin-headquartered aircraft leasing company received its first 737-800 freighter conversion in February last year under ASL Airlines France.