Boeing will expand 737-800BCF production capacity in partnership with Alajuela, Costa Rica-based MRO provider Cooperativa Autogestionaria de Servicios Aeroindustriales (COOPESA), to meet growing express and e-commerce markets.
On Wednesday (May 5, 2021), Boeing announced an increase in 737-800BCF (Boeing Converted Freighter) production capacity in partnership with Alajuela, Costa Rica-based MRO provider COOPESA (Cooperativa Autogestionaria de Servicios Aeroindustriales), to meet burgeoning express and e-commerce demand. COOPESA will open their first conversion line in early 2022, with a second to follow later next year. According to Boeing forecasts, 1,500 freighter conversions will be required over the next 20 years, including 1,080 standard-body conversions, with nearly 30 percent of demand coming from North America and Latin America.
In Wednesday's announcement, Boeing’s Director of Freighter Conversions, Jens Steinhagen, said,
“COOPESA has demonstrated the technical expertise and commitment to quality and execution necessary to help us meet the growing customer demand for the 737-800BCF, including in the Americas. Boeing is pleased to have COOPESA join our team of MRO partners as we deliver our market-leading converted freighters to customers around the world.”
Also commenting on the new partnership, COOPESA’s CEO, Kenneth Waugh, added,
“We are honored that Boeing has chosen COOPESA as a strategic partner to provide conversion services for the 737-800BCF. We look forward to helping Boeing meet market demand with the technical quality and skilled workforce that has characterized COOPESA in its 58 years of operation.”
Boeing currently converts 737-800 passenger airplanes to freighters at three locations in China, including Boeing Shanghai Aviation Services (BSAS), Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Company Limited (GAMECO) and Taikoo (Shandong) Aircraft Engineering Company Limited (STAECO) in Jinan. To date, the Boeing 737-800BCF has received over 180 orders and commitments from 15 customers on four continents. In March, Boeing delivered the 50th 737-800BCF since the aircraft entered service in 2018.
COOPESA is an FAA and EASA certified MRO that serves airlines in the Americas and global leasing companies with maintenance, repair and overhaul services. The company’s highly skilled technical teams are led by aviation professionals with broad and proven experience. COOPESA’s capabilities include heavy maintenance, interiors and avionics modification, paint and passenger to freighter conversions.
Boeing (NYSE: BA) is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading supplier of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, as well as global services. The aerospace giant tops the list of the largest U.S. exporters, providing a significant positive impact to America’s annual GDP. Boeing supports government and commercial customers in over 150 countries and employs more than 160,000 team members worldwide. As Boeing continues to deliver for customers, they are committed to their legacy of aerospace leadership in technology and innovation and will continue investing in their people for future growth.
Source: Boeing