Photo: Jaromir Chalabala/ Shutterstock
Boeing has delivered its 100th completed 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) to Shenzhen, China-based cargo carrier SF Airlines, operator of the world’s largest 767-300BCF fleet.
The 767-300BCF was unveiled during a ceremony on February 14 at GAMECO (Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Company Limited), where the aircraft was converted.
Li Gang, vice president of maintenance at SF Airlines, observed: “During our development journey, the 767-300BCF has played a crucial role.
“Since the first 767-300BCF was put into operation in 2016, this model has become the backbone of our network operation due to its excellent performance.
“Whether on busy domestic routes or challenging international routes, the 767-300BCF has demonstrated high reliability and stability, helping SF Airlines continuously expand its business landscape.”
Doug Backhus, Boeing’s vice president cabin, modifications and maintenance, added: “Celebrating the 100th completed 767-300BCF with SF Airlines and GAMECO is a testament to the strong collaboration that goes into designing, converting and operating these versatile freighters.
“The 767-300BCF will continue to play a vital role in the air cargo sector for decades to come, providing operators with the reliability and performance they need to be successful.”
According to Boeing, the 767-300BCF is the world’s most efficient medium widebody twin engine converted freighter.
It can carry up to 56.5 tonnes of cargo and fly up to 6,190km.
767F
The 767-300BCF forms part of the wider 767 freighter family.
Boeing recorded an order for eight 767-300 freighters from a mystery customer(s) in December.
The aircraft manufacturer logged the 767-300F order(s) in its Airplane Gross Orders report, but it didn’t release any further details.
This order ended a lull in orders of the model and followed Boeing’s announcement in October 2024 that it would conclude production of the 767F in 2027, after a pause in deliveries of the aircraft model in 2023 due to quality issues affecting commercial and military versions of the widebody jets.
According to Boeing’s records, there were no 767-300F orders in 2023 and a total of 10 orders in 2022, eight from UPS and two from FedEx.
But in 2021, when freighter demand was high due to the pandemic, there were 18 orders from FedEx, 19 from UPS and one from the Tanzanian government.
Boeing delivered 10 767-300Fs last year. These were delivered to FedEx and UPS.
767 conversion feedstock is now very limited and less conversions are being carried out, possibly making the last remaining units of the model more attractive.
SF Airlines investment
In December last year, it was noted that SF Airlines had invested further in fleet modernisation with the addition of its first Boeing 737-800 freighter.
The next generation narrowbody aircraft was delivered that month, according to fleet tracking website Planespotters.
According to Planespotters, SF Airlines then had a total of 85 aircraft in service, made up of 17 737Fs, four 747Fs, 43 757Fs and 21 767Fs.
