Boeing’s standard-body freighter marks 5 years in China
The in-country fleet of 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters now tops 40, earns praise from region’s carriers.
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Aug 15, 2024
Leaders of China Postal Airlines and Tianjin Air Cargo receive awards recognizing the five-year anniversary of the airlines they represent becoming the first Chinese customer to commercially operate a 737-800BCF, and the first Chinese customer to receive a 737-800BCF, respectively. (Boeing photo)
Just five years after Boeing delivered to China Postal Airlines and Tianjin Air Cargo the country’s first 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters (BCF) in 2019, China’s fleet now exceeds 40 of the type, across seven operators.
Why it matters: The rapid growth of the China-based fleet underscores the suitability of the 737-800BCF to support China’s booming e-commerce market and express industry.
To celebrate the 5th anniversary of the freighter entering the Chinese market, Boeing hosted a 737-800BCF technical seminar in Tianjin, China, with over 50 representatives from airlines, industry and government. During the event, operator representatives expressed their appreciation for the 737-800BCF and the Boeing team behind the freighter conversion program.
Compared to the previous generation of standard-body freighters, the 737-800BCF has up to 20% less fuel use and CO2 emissions per tonne, as well as 29% greater volume and 23% more payload. (China Postal Airlines photo)
What they’re saying: China Postal Airlines is now the largest 737-800BCF operator in mainland China with 17 of the type in its fleet and is continuing the process of replacing its older standard-body freighters, which includes 737-300, 737-400 and 757-200 freighters, with the fuel efficient 737-800BCF.
- “With older aircraft gradually exiting the fleet, we will continue to see increased demand for the introduction of the 737-800BCF and we hope to continue deepening cooperation with Boeing for mutual success," said Qu Jiahong, chief engineer of China Postal Airlines. "In our years of cooperation, we have always received strong support from Boeing in various aspects, including engineering, material support, and personnel training.”
Primarily used to carry express cargo on routes within China and to neighboring countries, the 737-800BCF is capable of carrying up to 23.9 tonnes and flying up to 3,750 kilometers. (Tianjin Cargo Airlines photo)
Zoom in: Since Boeing launched the 737-800BCF program at a Shanghai event in 2016, China-based maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities (MROs) and suppliers have continued to play a part in the model’s success.
- The first 737-800BCF was completed at Boeing Shanghai Aviation Services, a joint venture between Boeing, the Shanghai Airport Authority and China Eastern Airlines.
- Earlier this year, STAECO, an MRO based in Jinan, China, completed its 100th 737-800BCF for Boeing.
- “We have had a very pleasant and productive cooperation with Boeing,” said Li Bin, President of Tianjin Cargo Airlines. “The 737-800BCF has excellent product design, high versatility, and reliability. Especially during the pandemic, it has helped us operate safely with high efficiency and utilization. We sincerely thank the BCF team for their professional capabilities and dedication."
Tianjin Cargo Airlines, which took delivery of its first 737-800BCF in September 2019, has also seen success with the standard-body freighter.
To date, Boeing has received more than 280 orders and commitments for the 737-800BCF and has delivered more than 180 jets to 40+ operators around the globe, making it the most successful standard-body freighter conversion.
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