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Apr 20, 2023

Boeing’s 767-300 Converted Freighter fuels customer’s growth

China-based SF Airlines’ all-Boeing fleet surpasses 80 freighters as cargo operator welcomes 20th 767-300BCF.

SF Airlines’ 767-300BCF fleet has fueled international growth and expanded efficiency on key routes. Pictured is the carrier’s 19th 767-300BCF. (SF Airlines photo)

SF Airlines’ 767-300BCF fleet has fueled international growth and expanded efficiency on key routes. Pictured is the carrier’s 19th 767-300BCF. (SF Airlines photo)

SF Airlines has taken delivery of its 20th Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF).

The airline’s parent, SF Express, launched SF Airlines in 2009 to improve its delivery and air logistics capabilities and as of April 2023, has grown its all-Boeing freighter fleet to 81 airplanes.

  • The carrier’s 20th 767-300BCF was converted at ST Engineering’s maintenance, repair and overhaul facility in Singapore.

Why it matters

SF Airlines introduced its first widebody freighter in 2015 – a 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighter – and with a fleet of 20 and growing, SF Airlines now the largest operator of the type.

  • “With the 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighter, the backbone of SF Airlines’ widebody freighter fleet, we can provide better service to our customers by adding economically efficient capacity to our network,” said Robert Zhang, director, commercial department of SF Airlines.
  • “Compared to standard-body freighters, the 767-300BCF enables us to achieve higher efficiency on key routes, accelerate international route expansion, and serve a larger logistics market,” said Zhang.
"With the 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighter, the backbone of SF Airlines’ widebody freighter fleet, we can provide better service to our customers by adding economically efficient capacity to our network."

Robert Zhang, director, commercial department of SF Airlines

By the numbers

With the continuous growth of the 767-300BCF fleet, the proportion of wide-body airplanes in SF Airlines’ fleet continues to increase.

  • The airline’s all-Boeing fleet has logged more than 100,000 flight hours and carried more than 5 million metric tons of cargo since its 2009 launch.
  • SF Airlines’ cargo network has grown to more than 90 domestic and international destinations.
  • Using its large freighter fleet and network scale, the carrier connects supply chains and carries a wide range of goods, including general cargo, fresh foods, live animals, oversized cargo perishables, dangerous goods, and other materials.
  • SF Airlines’ 767-300BCF fleet is also benefiting Ezhou Airport, SF Airlines’ new cargo hub, in supporting the development of China's domestic trunk network and promoting the airport as an international air cargo hub, according to Zhang.
SF Airlines employees welcome the carrier’s 80th plane, their 19th 767-300BCF, to the fleet in March. (SF Airlines photo)

SF Airlines employees welcome the carrier’s 80th plane, their 19th 767-300BCF, to the fleet in March. (SF Airlines photo)

The big picture

Boeing’s latest commercial forecast shows that Chinese airlines will take delivery of 205 freighters over the next 20 years – the largest market outside of North America.

  • “We are honored by SF Airline’s continued confidence and partnership with Boeing as demonstrated by the ongoing expansion of their 767-300BCF fleet,” said Mike Doellefeld, commercial programs vice president of engineering services, converted freighters and sub-components. “The 767-300BCF is the most capable and versatile widebody converted freighter for general and express cargo markets and continues to support SF Airlines’ ability to meet the needs of its customers for time-sensitive deliveries with unrivaled economics.”

Go deeper

  • The 767-300BCF, based on the 767-300ER, can carry up to 51.6 metric tons and fly up to 3,345 nautical miles (6,190 kilometers).