Integrated aviation services provider GA Telesis has announced the delivery of its first 737-800SF passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversion to Ethiopian Airlines.
The aircraft was delivered from Aeronautical Engineering, Inc. (AEI) authorized Conversion Center, Commercial Jet, in Miami. A second 737-800 contracted with AEI is currently undergoing P2F conversion, with delivery expected in May 2021.
GA Telesis’ Leasing, Investment, Financing & Trading (LIFT) Group entered the air cargo sector with its first commitment with AEI signed in July 2020, followed by a second option taken in September. Given the growth of the main deck air cargo market, fueled by the pandemic, LIFT is negotiating additional 737SF slots, among slots for other aircraft models to add to their future portfolio.
“We are proud to launch our commitment to the freighter aircraft market with Ethiopian Airlines as a partner. Ethiopian has, throughout this crisis, cemented themselves as one of the world’s top carriers,” said LIFT President Marc Cho.
“They have demonstrated their ability to be creative and agile by focusing on the cargo segment to offset a reduction in passenger volume as a result of this pandemic,” added Cho.
Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, Tewolde GebreMariam, said: “The delivery of the aircraft is a significant addition to our freighter capacity and frequency and will enhance our capability to serve short-haul destinations in Africa and the Middle East more economically, including the transportation of the much-needed medical supplies and vaccines.
“This time we are not just receiving a new aircraft; we are also showing to the world that Ethiopian stands firm through a storm and strives to widen its strength and reach corners of the world with much-needed medical supplies and vaccines to save lives.”
