GAMECO, a leading aircraft maintenance company based in commenced the production phase of its 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) program at its Guangzhou base on June 16th, holding a door-cutting ceremony of its first 737-800 BCF.

[Photo provided to Newsgd.com]

In 2019, GAMECO and Boeing launched work on the new production line of 737-800BCF in Guangzhou. As passenger air travel has declined sharply throughout the COVID-19, airlines have shifted some of their business toward air cargo, as freighter needs have increased in response to greater cargo demands.

Amidst these circumstances, the air cargo market embraces phenomenal challenges and opportunities and plays an important role in both anti-pandemic relief activities and the reconstruction of supply chains.

“We are thrilled to celebrate this important milestone with our team and excited to officially begin production of the 737-800BCF program at GAMECO,” said GAMECO General Manager Norbert Marx, “this program is a great opportunity for us to contribute to the development requirements of the air cargo market.”

Gao Sixiang, VP of Boeing’s Commercial Sales and Marketing for China, said the program has leveraged the skill and expertise from both GAMECO and Boeing, and responded to market trends and requirements. It’s a win-win relationship and will bring immense value to our customers.”

The 737-800BCF is built on the Next-Generation 737 platform, well known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and lower operating cost. GAMECO’s freighter-conversion program transitions these passenger airplanes into freighters, extending their service life.

To push forward the program during the pandemic, Guangzhou Aerotropolis Development District has offered various supports ranging from advantageous policies and public services. They also offered foreign skilled technicians help on their visa issue so that they could come back to work on time.

According to Guangzhou Aerotropolis Development District, it has gathered two leading aircraft maintenance companies including GAMECO and ST Aerospace, and it will continue to boost the development of the industry and increase the number of aircraft maintenance slots to 48 by 2021.

Author|Jasmine

Editor|Wing