Boeing are at the Dubai Air Show and are as big and bold as ever; ready to capture the orders of airlines seeking to modernise their fleets and achieve efficiency targets, as we begin to ease out of the COVID-19 pandemic that has torn the aviation industry to shreds. This article is specific to Boeing only orders and will be updated as the show progresses.
Boeing Not Ready to Launch 777X Freighter
It has been widely expected that Boeing would launch the 777X Freighter at the show, especially following the launch of the A350 Freighter. However, during a press conference ahead of day one, Boeing Sales Chief Ihssane Mounir said the company is not yet ready to launch the 777X, stating they are still six years away from the 2027 ICAO CO2 emission regulations. Mounir adds that this gives the company time to tweak the frame some more before committing to a freighter.
Despite this, it has been reported that Boeing is in advanced talks with customers regarding the 777X Freighter; with the likes of Qatar and FedEx being mentioned in the talks.
At the same time, Boeing is seeking an exemption from the 2027 ICAO CO2 regulations while also discussing a re-engined 767. The latter was last mentioned in 2019, when the company was assessing a 767 powered by GEnx engines.
Boeing to Open Three New Freighter Conversion Lines
To support the growing demand for air freight, Boeing will open three new freighter conversion lines for the 737-800BCF. To celebrate the occasion, Boeing inked a deal with Icelease for 11 of the freighters as the launch customer for one of the new conversion lines.
“We are confident in the quality and proven record of Boeing’s 737-800 converted freighter, and are pleased to be the launch customer for their new London MRO facility.”
Magnus Stephensen, senior partner at Icelease.
In 2022, the company will open one conversion line at Boeing’s London Gatwick Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) facility; then they plan on two conversion lines in 2023 at KF Aerospace MRO in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada.
The announcement follows plans, disclosed earlier this year, that Boeing would create additional 737-800BCF conversion capacity at several sites. The locations consist of a third line at Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Company Limited (GAMECO) and two conversion lines in 2022 with a new supplier, Cooperativa Autogestionaria de Servicios Aeroindustriales (COOPESA) in Costa Rica. Once the new lines become active, Boeing will have conversion sites in North America, Asia and Europe.
According to Boeing, around 1720 freighter conversions will be required over the next 20 years to meet a global increase in demand. With no shortage of 737-800s the BCF program is an effective alternative to a new build freighter.
As of today, the 737-800BCF is the standard body freighter market leader with more than 200 orders and commitments from 19 customers.
Dubai Air Show Day 2
DHL Express Orders 767-300BCF
Boeing has kicked off day two of the Dubai Air Show by securing a deal with DHL Express for nine 767-300BCF aircraft. The order represents the logistics company’s largest commitment to the Boeing 767-300 Converted Freighter to date.
DHL has taken delivery of seven of a batch of eight 767-300BCF, that have been leased to DHL partner airlines in the Middle East and Latin America to support its expanding regional networks. The additional order will enable DHL’s long-haul intercontinental fleet to respond to an increase global demand for cargo capacity.
“The additional B767 freighters are part of our efforts to modernize DHL’s long-haul intercontinental fleet in order to fly eco-friendlier and more cost-efficiently. Our goal is to enhance our well-connected global network whilst reducing carbon emissions and fuel consumption to benefit the environment, partners and customers alike.”
Geoff Kehr, Senior Vice President, Global Air Fleet Management, DHL Express
Emirates SkyCargo Orders Additional Boeing 777 Freighers
Emirates today announced an order for two 777 Freighters to expand the Emirates SkyCargo fleet. The deal is worth more than $704 million at list prices and was previously listed as an unidentified customer in Boeing’s order book.
The Boeing 777 is not a new piece of kit for Emirates, with the passenger fleet standing at 134 units and the SkyCargo fleet currently at 10.
“We are honoured that Emirates has once again placed its confidence in the 777 Freighter as the backbone of its global network. As the largest operator of 777 passenger and freighter models worldwide, Emirates’ success is a testament to the 777’s market-leading efficiency, improved sustainability and incredible range.”
Ihssane Mounir, Boeing Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing.
Additionally, IAI has agreed to convert four Boeing 777s into freighter aircraft for Emirates:
Dubai Air Show Day 3
Air Tanzania Orders Boeing Passenger and Freighter Aircraft
Boeing has kicked off day three of the 2021 Dubai Airshow alongside Air Tanzania with an order for passenger and freighter aircraft.
The deal consists of two 737 MAX, a 767-300 Freighter and a 787-8 Dreamliner and is valued at more than $726 million at list prices. It was previously listed as an unidentified order on the Boeing Orders and Deliveries website.
Based in Dar es Salaam, the carrier will expand its current fleet of 787s, leveraging the new 737s for its regional network and the 767 Freighter to capitalize on Africa’s burgeoning cargo demand.
“Adding to our 787 fleet, the introduction of the 737 MAX and 767 Freighter will give Air Tanzania exceptional capability and flexibility to meet passenger and cargo demand within Africa and beyond.”
Air Tanzania CEO Ladislaus Matindi
Akasa Air Orders 72 Boeing 737 MAX Jets
Coming in hot, Boeing today announced a deal with Akasa Air for 72 737 MAX jets in a deal worth nearly $9 billion at list prices.
The order, which consists of the 737 MAX 8 and MAX 8-200, will enable Akasa to support the rapidly growing Indian market whilst remaining accessible to those in all socio-economic positions.
THIS ARTICLE WILL BE UPDATED AS MORE ORDERS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE MADE!