Aerospace

BBAM Orders 9 More 737-800 BCF, Takes First Position at New Conversion Line

Boeing and BBAM Limited Partnership (BBAM) announced yesterday that the lessor has placed a definitive order for nine additional #737-800 #Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) aircraft.

Boeing Forecasts Air Cargo Traffic to Increase Twofold Over Next 20 Years

Boeing [NYSE: BA] and BBAM Limited Partnership (BBAM) announced today that the lessor has placed a definitive order for nine additional 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) aircraft. The transaction takes BBAM’s total 737-800BCF orders to 40, as demand for the single-aisle freighter remains robust.

BBAM will be the first customer to receive a 737-800BCF conversion from a new conversion line slated to begin next year at KF Aerospace, a Kelowna, British Columbia-based maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) supplier. Boeing said last year that it would open two 737-800BCF conversion lines at KF Aerospace commencing in 2023.

The 737-800BCF is the industry leader in standard body freighters, with over 250 orders and commitments from 20+ customers and more than 90 deliveries to date. When compared to 737 Classic freighters, the freighter can carry up to 23.9 tonnes (52,800 lbs.) and travels 2,025 nautical miles (3,750 km).

BBAM has conversion slots at additional Boeing MRO suppliers, including Alajuela, Costa Rica-based Cooperativa Autogestionaria de Servicios Aeroindustriales (COOPESA) and Shanghai, China-based Boeing Shanghai Aviation Services (BSAS).

“Our cooperation with BBAM on the 737-800BCF began with an order for three conversions in 2020, and after a series of additional orders, BBAM is now one of the 737-800BCF’s top customers, with orders for 40 of the type,” said Kate Schaefer., vice president of commercial modifications, engineering, and speciality products at Boeing. “We are humbled by BBAM’s continuous trust in Boeing, and we are pleased to provide high-quality and reliable conversion capacity throughout a global network of MRO vendors, where our clients require it the most.”

Boeing has over 40 years of successful passenger-to-freighter conversion experience, relying on original design data and a deep understanding of the air cargo industry’s needs to deliver a superior, integrated product that includes fully integrated manuals and world-class in-service technical support. Boeing Converted Freighters also have the benefit of being linked with the industry’s most comprehensive array of services, support, and solutions. Find out more about the 737-800BCF and the rest of the Boeing cargo family here.

Aerospace

When Ratan Tata was denied entry to the airfield at the Aero India show, he waited

During our visit to Aero India 2019, we had the unexpected opportunity to see Ratan Tata at the event, which was a thrilling moment for us. However, there was a surprising hiccup when the security staff didn’t allow him to enter due to a lack of a security pass.

Despite this, he remained calm and patiently waited for about 20 minutes until a member of the Tata team brought him the required pass, after which he calmly proceeded inside. It was a humbling sight, showcasing his composed demeanor even in such situations.

Ratan Tata ji is not only a renowned industrialist but also a trained pilot, holding a pilot’s license. In 2007, he became the first Indian civilian to fly the F-16 Falcon during the Aero India show in Bangalore—a proud moment for the nation.

His passion for aviation extended beyond flying, as he played a key role in shaping India’s aerospace industry. Under his leadership, Tata ventured into manufacturing and maintaining aerospace components while upholding its legacy of quality. Notably, Tata’s collaboration with Airbus to develop and manufacture the C295 aircraft is a testament to its growing influence in the sector.