The conversion process for Serve Air the B737-800SF, including touch labor and MRO, is being carried out by AEI’s authorized conversion center, Commercial Jet, located in Dothan, Alabama.
Aeronautical Engineers, Inc. (AEI) has announced that Serve Air, based in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has placed an order for its first AEI Boeing B737-800SF freighter conversion. The aircraft, with Manufacturer Serial Number (MSN) 30517, is currently undergoing modification and is scheduled to be redelivered to Serve Air in early November. The conversion process, including touch labor and maintenance, is being carried out by AEI’s authorized conversion center, Commercial Jet, located in Dothan, Alabama.
Serve Air, which recently acquired an AEI B737-800SF freighter from China Aircraft Leasing Group Holdings Limited, is making history as the first operator of the B737-800SF in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The company plans to further expand its fleet of AEI B737-800SF freighters to a total of six aircraft in the coming years. As Serve Air prepares to add the AEI B737-800SF freighter to its fleet, the aircraft’s enhanced payload capacity, container positions, and advanced design features are expected to contribute to the airline’s operational efficiency and cargo-carrying capabilities.
“While the narrowbody conversion market demand from leasing companies has slowed over the last few months, new orders for our B737-800SF freighter coming directly from operators continues to remain strong,” stated Robert T. Convey, senior vice president sales and marketing, AEI. “Serve Air recently purchased an AEI B737-800SF from China Aircraft Leasing Group Holdings Limited and is currently operating the freighter,” he further added.
AEI’s B737-800SF freighter conversion offers an impressive main deck payload capacity of up to 52,700 lbs. (23,904 kg) and features eleven full-height container positions measuring 88” x 125”, along with an additional position for an AEP/AEH. The conversion design also incorporates structural enhancements, including new floor beams aft of the wing box, as well as an 86” x 137” Main Cargo Door equipped with a single vent door system.
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Notably, AEI’s innovative design ensures efficient loading and unloading of containers by allowing them to be positioned a full 16.5” aft of the forward door jamb. This design consideration minimizes the risk of potential door and aircraft strikes during ground operations. The AEI B737-800SF conversion also features a flexible Ancra Cargo Loading System, a 9g rigid barrier, five supernumerary seats, a galley, and a full lavatory.
