GAMECO (Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Company Limited) has announced the addition of a third conversion line for the 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) at its Guangzhou facility.
Concurrently, GAMECO is also inducting the first aircraft into its second BCF line, which was announced in September 2020.With the addition of the third line, GAMECO will also take steps to implement a new takted production system.
Based on the popular Next-Generation 737, the 737-800BCF is meeting customer demand for a newer-generation freighter that offers higher reliability and lower fuel consumption and operating costs per trip compared to other standard-body freighters. Primarily used to carry express cargo on domestic or short-haul routes, the airplane is capable of carrying up to 23.9 tons (52,800 pounds) and flying up to 3,750 kilometers (2,025 nautical miles). To date, the airplane has won more than 150 orders and commitments.
According to the most recent Boeing Commercial Market Outlook, 2,430 freighters will enter the global fleet over the next 20 years to meet market demand, including 1,080 standard-body passenger-to-freighter conversions. Asia will account for approximately 40% of the standard body freighter market demand.