Despite muted cargo volumes over the last year, Aeronautical Engineers, Inc. (AEI) is betting on the Chinese market as it authorized Hainan-based Grand China Aviation Maintenance (GCAM) as its sixth conversion center.

GCAM is a subsidiary of HNA Aviation Technic, which conducts MRO services for Hainan Airlines. It provides overhaul services for aircraft and all-round one-stop service. Included in the arrangement is the conversion of at least three B737-800SFs at the facility for launch partner Hainan Airlines. Robert T. Convey, AEI senior vice president of sales and marketing, is confident the market will improve with China’s stronger recovery over the next several years

“AEI has been a leader in the global narrowbody freighter market for over 60 years, we understand the market fluctuations and are preparing to ensure our customers have as many options as possible” stated Convey.

“In the post-epidemic period, there is still a large demand in the cargo market, and there is a huge market potential in the Asia-Pacific region about the Boeing 737 freighter conversion business.”

While an exact date has not been set, AEI expects the first B737-800SF to be converted at the GCAM facility in the first quarter of 2024.

Grand China Aviation Maintenance, based at the Hainan Airlines base in Meilan International Airport. Since the company’s founding in 2012, GCAM provides fuselage regular maintenance, end-of-lease check, cabin renovation and modification services with the authorization approval of CAAC, FAA, EASA, SSCA, CAACI, DCA, BCAA, ARUBA, MOLIT and JMM