SunExpress modified 18 Boeing 737-800 jets to conduct cargo-only flights

Antalya, Turkey - Antalya-based Turkish budget carrier SunExpress has begun all-cargo operations with its passenger planes.

The airline suspended all domestic and international flights as part of the measures taken to fight against the current pandemic. In addition to Cargo holds of the planes, SunExpress will also use passenger cabins to maximize the capacity.

To this end, the carrier modified passenger cabins of 18 Boeing 737-800 jets and got approval from the Turkish civil aviation regulator. The seats remain in the cabins. Thanks to the modification, each aircraft will be able to carry a maximum cargo of up to 21,700 kg.

“For the first time in our history, we are going to operate cargo-only flights. We have made a total of 18 aircraft suitable for cargo use by turning passenger cabins into cargo holds without removing seats. We completed the necessary work in a short time and will carry out our cargo flights initially from Izmir and Antalya. In the next stages, we plan to operate cargo flights from other destinations according to incoming demand,”

SunExpress Deputy General Manager Ahmet Çalışkan said.

SunExpress is a joint venture of Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa.