Air Inuit, a Canadian-based airline, is collaborating with Aeronautical Engineers (AEI) to enhance its fleet. Air Inuit has placed an order for three AEI B737-800SF freighter conversions, with two of these aircraft set to become pioneering B738 combi planes. The conversion journey begins with the first aircraft, MSN 40852, scheduled for modification in November of this year and expected to be ready for service in late March 2024. The conversion work, including touch-labour and maintenance, will be conducted by the authorised AEI Conversion Centre, KF Aerospace, located in Kelowna, BC, Canada.
AEI is the only conversion company that can convert any line number 737-800 aircraft, including these three aircraft which are all 2012 vintage.
The second and third aircraft in this transformation project are slated to commence their modifications in March 2024 and July 2024, respectively. Christian Busch, President and CEO of Air Inuit, expressed his satisfaction with the partnership, saying, “We are pleased to partner with AEI for our freighter conversion needs for both our B738 freighter operations as well as for our soon-to-come innovative world's first B738 combi aircraft.”
The AEI converted B737-800SF freighter offers a main deck payload of up to 52,700 lbs. (23,904 kg) and incorporates eleven full-height 88” x 125” container positions, plus an additional position for an AEP/AEH. The conversion also incorporates new floor beams aft of the wing box, and a large 86” x 137” main cargo door with a single vent-door system.
