Boeing plans freighter conversion for Next-Gen 737s

Boeing has announced an agreement with China Postal Airlines for the purchase of 10 Next-Generation 737 Boeing Converted Freighters pending a program launch.

Through its converted freighter programs, Boeing extends the service life of a used passenger airplane by modifying it to function as a freighter.

The Seattle-based airplane maker did not disclose the value of the order.

Spirit AeroSystems in Wichita manufactures 70 percent of the 737, including its fuselage.

Boeing said in a news release that China Postal joins Hangzhou, China-based YTO Airlines as a launch customer for the BCF, or Boeing Converted Freighter, program.

China Postal’s agreement with Boeing also includes seven Boeing 757-200s that the airline plans to convert into freighters. The 757 is no longer in active production.

This story was originally published December 15, 2015 at 10:23 AM with the headline "Boeing plans freighter conversion for Next-Gen 737s."