5 March, 2019: GECAS, an aviation financing and leasing company have delivered AEI’s inaugural passenger-to-freighter converted 737-800 to Ethiopian Airlines.
Aeronautical Engineers Inc (AEI) has completed the prototype aircraft in December and has obtained the supplemental type certification (STC) from the US Federal Aviation Administration for their 737-800SF.
“We congratulate the AEI team in obtaining the FAA STC approval for the converted 737-800SF and honoured to supply this inaugural aircraft to Ethiopian Airlines,” said GECAS Cargo’ SVP and manager, Richard Greener. “This conversion programme is a key component to our ability to give customers’ choice and meet the growing needs in the expanding air cargo markets. The collaboration between GECAS and AEI has yielded additional capacity and efficiencies afforded by the Next Generation aircraft and will deliver a significant benefit to freighter operators.”
“At Ethiopian, we are excited for this new advancement in air freighters,” said Fitsum Abady, Managing Director of Ethiopian Cargo and Logistics services. “The new arrival in our fleet will further enhance our short-haul services in Africa and the Middle East.”