Icelandic cargo airline Bluebird Nordic has taken delivery of the first of two scheduled 737-800SF freighter aircraft from lessor GA Telesis LLC.
The aircraft, owned by Tokyo Century Corporation, was delivered from Aeronautical Engineering, Inc. (AEI) Conversion Center, Commercial Jet, in Dothan, Alabama.
GAT managed the conversion and remarketing of the aircraft and will remain involved as lease manager moving forward. The leasing group entered the air cargo sector in 2021 and has continued at pace with five aircraft converted and delivered since.
“GA Telesis is delighted to have managed this transaction on behalf of our shareholder successfully,” said Senior Vice President of the Asset Transaction Group, David Ellis.
“This deal reiterates the GA Telesis value-add proposition with respect to managed aircraft, and we are very grateful for the cooperation of both Tokyo Century and BBN,” added Ellis.
“We are grateful to Tokyo Century Corporation and GA Telesis for a very professional execution of the transaction – as Bluebird Nordic continues to grow its Boeing 737-800 freighters fleet,” said CEO of Bluebird Nordic, Ms. Audrone Keinyte.
“I am sure our partnership with Tokyo Century Corporation and GA Telesis will continue to strengthen over upcoming years as Bluebird Nordic continues to expand,” added Ms. Keinyte.
The Boeing 737-800SF freighter
Boeing 737-800SF (Special Freighter) is a cargo version of the popular 737-800 passenger aircraft. It is designed to transport a range of cargo, from small packages to larger items, and is often used by express carriers and logistics companies.
The 737-800SF has a cargo capacity of up to 23.9 metric tons (52,700 pounds) and can accommodate up to 12 standard 88-inch by 125-inch cargo pallets on its main deck.
It also has a large cargo door on the left side of the fuselage, allowing for easy loading and unloading of cargo.
The aircraft is powered by two CFM56-7B engines, which provide efficient and reliable performance. It has a range of up to 2,000 nautical miles (3,700 kilometers) and a cruising speed of 446 knots (825 kilometers per hour).
The 737-800SF is based on the passenger version of the 737-800, which is a widely used aircraft in the aviation industry. This means that many airlines and maintenance providers are already familiar with the aircraft, which can help to reduce training and maintenance costs.
The 737-800SF has been well received by the cargo industry, with several major carriers and logistics companies placing orders for the aircraft.
It is seen as a versatile and cost-effective option for transporting a wide range of cargo, and is expected to remain a popular choice for many years to come.
About Bluebird Nordic
Bluebird Nordic is an Icelandic cargo airline that operates scheduled and charter cargo flights throughout Europe and to destinations in the United States and Asia. The airline was founded in 2010 and is headquartered in Reykjavik, Iceland.
The new 737-800SF freighter will now join Bluebird Nordic’s Boeing freighter fleet which includes 737-300SF and 737-400SF freighters, as well as a Boeing 757-200PCF (Passenger to Cargo Converted) aircraft.
The airline specializes in the transport of perishable goods, such as fresh fish and seafood, as well as other time-sensitive cargo.
The airline has a strong presence in Iceland, where it operates daily flights to and from the country’s main airport, Keflavik International Airport.
It also has a significant presence in other European countries, with regular flights to destinations such as Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and the United Kingdom.
Bluebird Nordic has a reputation for providing reliable and efficient cargo services, and has established partnerships with a number of major logistics companies and airlines.
