LONDON – On the 21st of July 2022, Saltchuck Aviation announced that the airline group has committed to up to four more 767-300 BCF Boeing Converted Freighters.
This deal marks a signal that the 767 BCF market still exists. The 767BCF is one of the most efficient medium-sized widebody freighters with the lowest operating costs per flight, with impressive payload and range.
Betsy Seaton, President and CEO of Saltchuk Aviation: “We continue to see long-term air cargo trends that support fleet growth in the markets served by our three air cargo brands, and are excited to expand our partnership with Boeing.”
She added: “Converting this 767-300ER will bring highly-reliable capacity to our network, and backed by Boeing’s OEM expertise, we expect these freighters to operate in our fleet for the next 15-20 years.
Who is Saltchuk Aviation?
The airline actually does not operate under its name but flies under a contract with other airlines. This includes Aloha Air Cargo, Northern Air Cargo and Strat Air.
These companies provide a lifeline to countries such as Hawaii and Alaska, and also other destinations throughout the Americas: North America, Central America, the Caribbean and Latin America.
In fact, Saltchuck Aviation in early 2021, placed its first order with the American manufacturer for four confirmed 767-300BCF.
Earlier this month, the aviation company took delivery of the first 767-300BCF. Since 2016, Saltchuck carriers have operated converted 767 aircraft together with 737 freighters 2016.
An ‘old’ aircraft with great economics and performance
Saltchuc Aviation customers are no stranger to the 767s, hence the new orders made last year. The 767-300BCF is a world-leading freighter in the medium-widebody category, and it is highly efficient.
It is perfectly sized and not too large (overkill) like the 777F. The 767-300BCF performance is unmatched in its category and under the converted freighter market.
The converted freighter has a carrying capacity of 51.6 tonnes or 113,900 pounds and flies up to 6,190 kilometres or (3,345 nautical miles).
Kate Schaefer, vice president of Boeing’s commercial modifications, engineering & speciality products business stated with excitement: “We are honoured that Saltchuk Aviation has again selected the highly-versatile 767-300BCF as its freighter of choice to unlock global air cargo opportunities”.
“With our OEM advantage, we are committed to providing Saltchuk Aviation with the capacity it needs for growth now, and supporting their Boeing Converted Freighter fleet well into the future.
Boeing is no stranger to P2Fs
P2F or passenger-to-freighter conversions are no strangers to Boeing. Boeing has had over 4 decades of handling P2F conversions for customers and plays a vital role in the air cargo industry.
During the peak of the covid pandemic from 2020 to 2021, P2F aircraft demand went through the roof as operators adapted to the drastic change in trends of a surge in cargo traffic over the past 2 years.
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