Ethiopian Airlines, the largest airline in Africa, has just received a newly converted Boeing 737-800SF passenger-to-freighter (P2F) aircraft from Ft Lauderdale-based GA Telesis. Ethiopian Airlines’ new cargo aircraft was delivered to the airline from Aeronautical Engineers, Inc. (“AEI”) authorized Conversion Center, Commercial Jet, in Miami. A second Boeing 737-800 that used to belong to Mesa Airlines is currently being converted by AIE and is expected to be delivered in May 2021.
The arrival of the newly converted Boeing 737-800 will allow the African carrier to augment its short-haul cargo capability in Africa and the Middle East. It will be of vital importance in the delivery of COVID-19 vaccines.
The B737-800SF is for short-haul routes
When speaking about the passenger to freighter conversion deal, GA Telesis chief investment officer Marc Cho said the following in a company statement:
“We are proud to launch our commitment to the freighter aircraft market with Ethiopian Airlines as a partner. Ethiopian has, throughout this crisis, cemented themselves as one of the world’s top carriers.” Adding, “They have demonstrated their ability to be creative and agile by focusing on the cargo segment to offset a reduction in passenger volume as a result of this pandemic.”
We have taken delivery of B737-800FS Converted Freighter Aircraft from GA Telesis.
The freighter will enhance our capability to serve short-haul destinations to transport much-needed medical supplies and vaccines. pic.twitter.com/9A4Sh5JTpz— Ethiopian Airlines (@flyethiopian) March 26, 2021
In the same statement, group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Tewolde GebreMariam said:
“I would like to express my delight about the delivery of the B737-800SF converted freighter aircraft. The delivery is a significant addition to our freighter capacity and frequency and will enhance our capability to serve short-haul destinations in…