Aeronautical Engineers, Inc. (AEI) has announced that India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has approved AEI’s Supplemental Type Certificate (STC ST02690LA) for the 12-pallet-position B737-800SF freighter conversion.
With this latest validation, AEI now holds approvals from the FAA, CAAC, EASA, TCCA, UK CAA, CAACI (Cayman Islands), DCA (Guernsey), the civil aviation authorities of Brazil and Argentina, and now the Indian DGCA for its B737-800SF conversion program.
Chennai-based Afcom Holding Limited, a cargo airline, is leasing a previously converted AEI B737-800SF (MSN 33003) and will operate the aircraft out of India. This transaction served as the catalyst for AEI to pursue DGCA approval.
Robert T. Convey, AEI Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, stated: “This STC validation will allow Indian cargo operators access to the industry-leading AEI B737-800SF and a path towards greater profitability through affordability. With India’s e-commerce and express markets continuing to grow, the B737-800SF will provide operators with the right blend of payload, volume, and economics to compete in an ever-changing world.”
The AEI-converted B737-800SF freighter offers a main deck payload capacity of up to 52,700 lbs. (23,904 kg). It features eleven full-height 88” x 125” container positions, plus an additional position for an AEP/AEH. The conversion also includes new floor beams aft of the wing box and a large 86” x 137” main cargo door equipped with a single-vent door system.