Alaska Air Cargo has taken delivery of the first of two Boeing 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) aircraft leased from BBAM Limited Partnership (BBAM).
Alaska Air Cargo plans to use the new aircraft for expanded freight service in the state of Alaska and beyond in the coming months.
The 737-800BCF Conversions
The two new freighters will mark the fifth and sixth North American placements of the 737-800BCF for BBAM, aligning with their commitment to Boeing for a total of 40 conversions of this type.
The first aircraft completed its conversion at COOPESA, a renowned maintenance facility located in Costa Rica.
The second aircraft is scheduled for conversion by Boeing at KF Aerospace in British Columbia. Alaska Air Cargo is on track to have both BCFs in service by the end of Q1 in 2024.
The Boeing 737-800 Converted Freighter is equipped with powerful CFM56-7B engines, allowing it to carry a maximum structural payload of 23.9 tons, distributed across 12 main deck positions.
With a remarkable range of over 2,000 nautical miles while carrying a maximum payload, this aircraft stands out as an exceptionally cost-effective standard-body freighter.
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The BBAM-Alaska Airlines Partnership
Babcock & Brown Aircraft Management (BBAM) is one of the world’s largest and longest standing aircraft lessors, with more than $16 billion in aviation assets under management.
Steve Zissis, President, and CEO of BBAM, spoke on behalf of the company about delivering the first Boeing 737-800BCF aircraft to Alaska Airlines.
He emphasized that these aircraft will provide flexibility, enhanced capability, and operational efficiency to Alaska Air Cargo’s growing cargo network.
This partnership between BBAM and Alaska Airlines is set to further bolster cargo transportation services in the region.
Adam Drouhard’s Perspective
Adam Drouhard, Managing Director of Alaska Air Cargo, anticipates the arrival of the first of two Boeing 737-800s into their existing fleet with great enthusiasm.
These additional aircraft are expected to nearly double the current cargo capacity, extending the network’s range for their customers.
Drouhard expressed his appreciation for BBAM and Boeing’s support in converting former Alaska Airlines passenger aircraft into freighters, which enables Alaska Air Cargo to expand its lift.
About Alaska Air Cargo
Alaska Air Cargo, the freight arm of Alaska Airlines, serves over 100 destinations in North America with an extensive network and more than 1,200 daily flights.
Providing a variety of reliable shipping services, Alaska Air Cargo utilizes a fleet of 737 freighters serving 20 communities in the state of Alaska as well as offering belly cargo service on a fleet of over 300 passenger planes serving the Continental U.S., Canada, Hawaii, Mexico and Costa Rica.
