Boeing and Taikoo (Shandong) Aircraft Engineering Co. (STAECO) have announced plans to create additional capacity for the 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) to help meet continued strong market demand.
In 2022, Boeing will add two 737-800BCF conversion lines at STAECO’s facility in Jinan, China. The first new line will open in the first quarter of 2022, with the second line expected to begin conversions by midyear of 2022. Once the two new lines are operational, STAECO will have seven conversion lines dedicated to the 737-800BCF.
“Boeing is pleased to continue growing our strong and mutually beneficial relationship with STAECO by creating additional conversion capacity to meet growing global demand,” said Peter Gao, Vice President, Boeing Commercial Sales and Marketing for China. “STAECO has exhibited the expertise and track record of delivering quality freighter conversions and will play a critical role in helping Boeing meet our customer commitments today and in the future.”
Boeing forecasts 1,720 freighter conversions will be needed over the next 20 years. Of those, 1,200 will be standard body conversions with Asia carriers accounting for 40% of that demand.
