Aeronautical Engineers, Inc. (AEI) has received Extended-range Twin-engine Operational Performance Standards (ETOPS) 180 approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its B737-800SF freighter conversion.

AEI is the only conversion house to have gained ETOPS approval for the 737-800 platform.

The ETOPS 180 approval allows the B737-800SF freighter to fly 180-minute extended operations over water and remote regions. This opens operational routes in areas such as Northern Africa and Western China.

“AEI continues to unleash additional advantages for customers operating our B737-800SF freighter,” said Robert T. Convey, senior vice president of sales and marketing for AEI.

“With the ETOPS 180 approval, our customers will have more opportunities to expand their routes and service the growing needs of global air cargo.”