Robert Convey, vice president of sales and marketing for AEI, expects to convert up to three 727s this year. “The B727-200SF freighter continues to attract attention from operators around the world who are looking for a proven workhorse,” he said. 

The 12-pallet configuration was first developed by AEI and has been the backbone of the freight industry for more than 15 years, with 223 conversions completed to date. AEI has also been responsible for B737-200SF,  B737-300SF, B737-400SF and MD-80SF conversions, and the company is currently converting a 737-300 for another undisclosed customer. Its addition of a ninth full ULD position allows customers to maximize the interior volume of the -300.

The -300s and -400s 
recently won approval from the 
Interstate Aviation Committee of the Commonwealth of
 Independent States (CIS), the first Western passenger to freighter conversions to do so, allowing lessors and CIS airlines to import and operate them.

“The approval of AEI's 737 conversion products will provide CIS operators with an economical replacement for the 100-plus AN12 freighters
 currently in service,” Convey said. “Based upon our
 analysis, the CIS countries will surpass China in the number of 
registered 737 classic freighters by 2013. CIS
 demand will be driven by the need for replacement of existing
 freighters rather than the organic growth currently being experienced
in China.”

Omega Worldwide, retained by AEI as a special adviser, was instrumental in obtaining CIS approval. Felix Minevich, president of Omega Worldwide, said: “Certification of the -300 and -400 freighters will open up a huge opportunity for cargo operators in
 Russia and the CIS countries. The demand for these types of freighter 
aircraft is enormous, and we expect to immediately see conversion 
orders.”