China’s first 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) conversion line has opened at Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Company's (GAMECO) premises.
The on-schedule door cutting of the first aircraft—a key milestone in the conversion process – has now taken place at the Chinese MRO's facility.
GAMECO’s recently opened conversion line is the first of two 767-300BCF lines Boeing plans to establish at the location this year. It also comes in addition to the site’s three existing 737-800BCF lines, making it the world’s first MRO to convert both the 767-300BCF and the 737-800BCF.
"Broadening our relationship with GAMECO to include the 767-300BCF strengthens our ability to meet the needs of our customers and continue supporting growth in the region," said Peter Gao, vice president, Boeing commercial sales and marketing for China. “GAMECO has proven their technical expertise and commitment to excellence through their work on the 737-800BCF program, and we have no doubt that will continue with the introduction of our medium widebody BCF.”
GAMECO general manager Norbert Marx added: "We are honoured by Boeing’s ongoing relationship and the trust they have in us to build a new home for the 767-300BCF program in China. This expansion will enhance our capabilities to include a new aircraft type and lead to greater efficiency and innovation throughout our conversion process.”
The widebody 767-300BCF is a versatile aircraft that allows carriers to develop in long-haul, regional and feeder markets, said GAMECO. It now has more than 100 orders and commitments.
Chinese MRO GAMECO completed its first Boeing 737-800 passenger-to-freighter conversion in 2020.
Boeing forecasts a need for 1,720 freighter conversions over the next 20 years. Asia-Pacific-based airlines will require 505 large and medium widebody freighters, both production and conversions, through year 2040, according to the 2021 Boeing Commercial Market Outlook.
