DUBLIN, IRELAND — The American aircraft manufacturer Boeing delivered the 100th 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter to the Irish lessor AerCap. The aircraft was converted at Boeing Shanghai Aviation Services.


AerCap has leased the aircraft to the Brazilian low-cost carrier GOL Linhas Aéreas, as part of the airline's growth strategy in the cargo and logistics field.

"We are delighted to be a part of this significant milestone with our partners at Boeing," 

said Rich Greener, Head of AerCap Cargo.

AerCap became the launch customer for Boeing's 737-800BCF program in 2016. Since then, the demand for air cargo on short and medium-haul routes has grown at an exponential rate, particularly during the pandemic. The Irish lessor today owns the largest 737-800BCF fleet with 65 firm orders and nine options.

"We are honored to celebrate this milestone with AerCap Cargo, a customer that has been an integral part of the 737-800BCF program's success since program launch," said Kate Schaefer, vice president of Boeing's Commercial Modifications, Engineering & Specialty Products business.

"Across five continents, our customers' 737-800BCF utilization hours are far surpassing those of the previous generation fleet. It's a testament to the important role these freighters play in unlocking market opportunities for our air cargo operators and their customers,"


Schaefer added.

Boeing Shanghai Aviation Services (BSAS) currently has two conversion lines for the 737-800BCF. The company is one of the five global sites in three countries dedicated to 737-800BCF conversion.

The global 737-800BCF fleet has already recorded more than 70,000 flights, with an average flight time of 7 hours per day. It is more than double the daily service time of previous generation cargo aircraft of the same size.

The 737-800BCF program is currently the leader of the converted freighter market, with more than 250 orders and commitments from over 20 customers.