Zone of Conversion

The Boeing 737-800 has reached "the zone of conversion," now that the first deliveries are 15 years old (launch customer Hapag-Lloyd received its first in the spring 1998), so Aeronautical Engineers Inc. thinks the time is right to launch a pasenger to freighter conversion program.

The timing for the conversion launch also is influenced by the fact that the aircraft's replacement, the Boeing 737 Max, should start reaching customers in 2016.

The 737-800SF will be converted by Commercial Jet in Miami and will accommodate 12 main pallet positions and up to 52,000 lbs. on the main deck.

AEI also will offer a combi version, which could accommodate five main deck pallet positions and 90 passengers in a coach seating configuration.