Aeronautical Engineers, Inc. (AEI) has announced that Nigeria-based Allied Air has acquired its second AEI-converted Boeing 737-800SF freighter in a third-party transaction, enhancing its capacity to meet increasing cargo demands across its network. This aircraft, built in 2010, is one of the youngest B737-800s to undergo AEI’s specialized freighter conversion.
Allied Air received its first B737-800SF from AEI in October 2020, and the airline’s CEO, Captain Valentine Tongo, noted that the model has been a reliable asset for the company’s growing cargo operations. “The AEI B737-800SF freighter has been faithfully serving our cargo routes for four years. This additional freighter will support our customers’ expanding transportation needs,” he said.
With plans to continue expanding its fleet, Allied Air aims to operate up to eight AEI B737-800SF freighters by 2028. Robert T. Convey, AEI’s senior vice president of sales and marketing, commented on the wider implications of Allied Air’s acquisition, stating, “The movement of 737-800s returning to service is a positive indicator that the narrowbody conversion market is beginning to recover. We expect demand for narrowbody freighters to normalize by mid-2026.”
This acquisition reflects Allied Air’s commitment to strengthening its cargo services and addressing increasing demand within the African and international air freight sectors.