Aeronautical Engineers, Inc. (AEI) has secured approval from India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for its Boeing 737-800SF freighter conversion, marking a further milestone in the programme’s global certification footprint. The approval covers AEI’s supplemental type certificate (STC ST02690LA) for the 12-pallet-position 737-800 passenger-to-freighter conversion.
With the Indian validation now in place, the AEI 737-800SF holds approvals from a broad range of leading aviation authorities, including the FAA, CAAC, EASA, TCCA, UK CAA, CAACI (Cayman Islands), the aviation authorities of Guernsey, Brazil and Argentina, as well as India’s DGCA.
The certification has been driven by market demand in India, where Chennai-based Afcom Holding Limited is preparing to place a previously converted AEI 737-800SF (MSN 33003) into service under a lease arrangement. The aircraft will be operated from India, prompting AEI to pursue and secure DGCA validation to support local cargo operations.
The AEI-converted 737-800SF offers a main deck payload of up to 52,700 lb (23,904 kg) and accommodates eleven full-height 88 x 125 inch container positions, plus an additional position for an AEP or AEH. Key structural features include new floor beams aft of the wing box and a large 86 x 137 inch main cargo door with a single vent door system.
AEI’s design also prioritises operational efficiency and safety. Containers can be loaded 16.5 inches aft of the forward door jamb, providing ground crews with improved manoeuvring space and reducing the risk of door or airframe damage. The aircraft is equipped as standard with an Ancra cargo loading system, a rigid 9g-barrier, five supernumerary seats, a galley and a full lavatory, supporting flexible and efficient cargo operations.
