GA Telesis delivered its first 737-800SF (MSN 32903) passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversion to Ethiopian Airlines. The aircraft was delivered from Aeronautical Engineering’s (AEI) authorized conversion center for commercial jets in Miami. A second 737-800 (MSN 28826) contracted with AEI is currently undergoing the P2F conversion, with delivery expected in May 2021.

GA Telesis’ leasing, investment, financing and trading group (LIFT) entered the air cargo sector with its first commitment with AEI signed in July 2020, followed by a second option taken in September 2020. LIFT is negotiating additional 737SF slots amongst slots for other aircraft models to add to its future portfolio.

“We are proud to launch our commitment to the freighter aircraft market with Ethiopian Airlines as a partner. Ethiopian has, throughout this crisis, cemented themselves as one of the world’s top carriers,” Marc Cho, president of LIFT, said. “They have demonstrated their ability to be creative and agile by focusing on the cargo segment to offset a reduction in passenger volume as a result of this pandemic.”

“I would like to express my delight upon the delivery of the B737-800SF converted freighter aircraft,” Tewolde GebreMariam, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group, said. “The delivery of the aircraft is a significant addition to our freighter capacity and frequency and will enhance our capability to serve short-haul destinations in Africa and the Middle East more economically, including the transportation of the much-needed medical supplies and vaccines. This time we are not just receiving a new aircraft; we are also showing to the world that Ethiopian stands firm through a storm and strives to widen its strength and reach corners of the world with much-needed medical supplies and vaccines to save lives.”