Aeronautical Engineers Inc begins the second Boeing 737-800 freighter conversion for Hainan Airlines, enhancing cargo operations with Tianjin Air Cargo.
Aeronautical Engineers Inc has started work on the second of three Boeing 737-800 freighter conversions for Hainan Airlines at the partner facility Grand China Aviation Maintenance Co, reports London's Air Cargo Week.
Work on the aircraft, MSN32603, began on 5 January, with GCAM handling modification, maintenance, and touch labor. Once completed, the freighter will be operated by Tianjin Air Cargo, Hainan Airlines' sister company, to support expanding cargo operations.
Currently, Hainan Airlines does not operate freighters, while Tianjin Air Cargo has a fleet of six 737-800 converted freighters. Both carriers are backed by shareholder HNA Aviation.
The AEI 737-800SF conversion provides a maindeck payload of more than 23 tonnes, with eleven full-height container positions and an additional slot for an AEP/AEH.
The third aircraft conversion is expected to begin immediately after the completion of MSN32603, further strengthening the airline group's cargo capabilities.