News / Conversions still first choice for many carriers eyeing freighter capacity

Credit EgyptAir

Although the current aircraft conversion boom will not last, say analysts, freighter markets will continue to see a 70:30 split in favour of conversions over new units.

Aviation intelligence specialist Cirium forecasts supply of some 3,560 freighters over the next 20 years, including 1,060 newbuilds (30%) worth $130bn, and 2,480 conversions of passenger aircraft (70%).

One customer, EgyptAir Cargo, is expecting a freshly converted B737-800SF on 1 March with a primary deck payload of 23 tonnes – capacity of 137 sq metres ...