Strategic collaboration combines engine MRO expertise with passenger-to-freighter conversions to lower operating costs
FTAI Aviation is partnering with Aeronautical Engineers Inc. (AEI) to integrate engine maintenance capabilities with passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversion services, aiming to accelerate Boeing 737-800 freighter conversions while reducing lifecycle operating costs for cargo operators.
The collaboration brings together FTAI Aviation’s CFM56 engine maintenance expertise and AEI’s established freighter conversion capabilities to offer airlines and cargo operators a comprehensive solution covering both airframe modification and engine support.
With nearly 6,000 Boeing 737-800 aircraft delivered worldwide, the narrowbody platform is expected to become a key workhorse in the global cargo market as airlines continue to retire passenger aircraft and repurpose them for freight operations.
According to FTAI Aviation, the availability of reliable and cost-effective CFM56 engine solutions remains a critical factor in supporting large-scale freighter conversion programmes. By combining lower-cycle CFM56 engines with comprehensive aftermarket maintenance services, the company aims to improve aircraft availability while reducing operating costs for cargo operators.
“The Boeing 737-800 is poised to become the workhorse of narrowbody freight, but growth has been constrained by the lack of an engine solution designed for cargo economics,” said David Moreno, President of FTAI Aviation. “We can build and maintain lower-cycle engines customised for cargo, enabling FTAI and AEI to deliver aircraft at a significantly lower operating cost. This collaboration adds cargo to FTAI’s CFM56 platform, extending the engine’s lifecycle across passenger, cargo and power applications,” he added.
For the aftermarket sector, the partnership highlights the growing importance of integrated lifecycle support as demand for passenger-to-freighter conversions continues to rise. By combining engine maintenance with aircraft conversion programmes, operators can benefit from improved reliability, lower maintenance costs and enhanced asset utilisation throughout the aircraft’s operational life.
AEI, one of the industry’s most experienced freighter conversion specialists, has developed more than 130 Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) and has completed over 625 aircraft conversions, making it one of the largest providers in the global P2F market.
“AEI has led the global narrowbody freighter conversion market for over 60 years and has converted more aircraft than any other provider in the industry,” said Robert Convey, Senior Vice President at AEI. “Combining our conversion expertise with FTAI’s engine maintenance services gives airlines a proven path to freighter capacity built for the long term,” he said.
The announcement also reinforces the long-term outlook for the Boeing 737 Classic and Next Generation aftermarket, particularly the CFM56 engine family, as operators increasingly seek to maximise aircraft value through freighter conversions and extended service lives.
AEI is also expanding its cargo conversion portfolio beyond the 737-800. The company announced last year that it is developing a Boeing 737-900ER passenger-to-freighter conversion programme, targeting certification in 2029. The aircraft is expected to offer a 206 cubic metre cargo volume and a 26-tonne payload, further strengthening the narrowbody freighter market.
The collaboration reflects a broader trend in the aviation aftermarket, where engine MRO providers are increasingly partnering with aircraft conversion specialists to deliver integrated lifecycle solutions. As the global demand for cargo aircraft continues to grow, combining engine support, airframe modifications, and long-term maintenance under a single ecosystem is expected to improve fleet economics, reduce downtime, and extend the operational life of mature aircraft platforms.
