Features
GECAS’ Cargo Aircraft Group places 737-800NG conversion with ASL Aviation Group
GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) has announced the placement of its first 737-800NG passenger-to-freighter converted aircraft with Dublin, Ireland based ASL Aviation Group. The agreement covers the lease of two 737-800NG freighters.
October 12, 2016 By GECAS
ASL Aviation Group is a diversified aviation services company offering cargo and passenger airline operations for various blue chip customers through its numerous operating entities on a global basis. ASL also provides aircraft leasing as well as maintenance and aircraft parts support through its subsidiaries ACLAS Technics and ACLAS Global. The aircraft will be operated by an ASL Aviation Group entity for one of its integrator customers.
The aircraft will be converted into freighter configuration by Miami-based Aeronautical Engineers, Inc. (AEI). GECAS announced the launch of its passenger-to-freighter conversion program at the Paris Air Show in June 2015.
Both aircraft are currently operated by China Southern and will enter the conversion program next year and will redeliver as freighters during 2018. The aircraft will be equipped with a rigid cargo barrier and have 12 main deck pallet positions. The aircraft have a maximum structural payload of 23,500 kg (51,800 lb) and a maximum range of over 2,100 nautical miles.
“We are delighted ASL has chosen the 737-800NG freighter for its future air cargo operations” said Richard Greener, SVP and Manager Cargo of GECAS. “The transition into younger more efficient aircraft has started to happen and the 737-800NG freighter is well positioned for both replacement and growth in the narrow body freighter sector.”
“As one of the largest 737 series freighter aircraft providers we are very excited that there is now a “New Generation” narrow body freighter available, which will allow us to continue servicing our existing, and hopefully many new, customers long into the future. In our opinion the 737-800 is going to be a great freighter, building further on the extensive foundations that have been laid by the numerous 737-200, -300 and -400 freighters that are already in service” said Dave Andrew, CEO ASL Airlines (Africa & Asia) and Leasing.
