India’s SpiceXpress Takes Delivery of First 737-800BCF

SpiceXpress, SpiceJet’s cargo division, has taken delivery of its first 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF).

SpiceXpress has nine scheduled departures six days a week to Hong Kong from Delhi, Kolkata and Guwahati and one domestic rotation connecting Hyderabad, Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai.

The dedicated cargo carrier has also operated numerous charter services to international destinations such as Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Teheran, Sulaimaniyah (Iraq), Bosaso (Somalia) and Hargeisa (Somali Land) besides helping transport relief material to Bhubaneshwar during Cyclone Fani.

The standard-body freighter, which is the first 737-800BCF to be operated in South Asia, is on lease from NGF Alpha Limited, a division of Spectre Cargo Solutions.

“It’s exciting to bring the 737-800 Freighter to India, a market we see growing in the coming years,” said Jordan Jaffe, Spectre Air Capital CEO. “We have already invested over a quarter billion dollars into our 737NG program, and are thrilled to put our continuing commitment to work serving great operators like SpiceJet. They join a growing family of customers utilizing our diverse product range of freighters.”

India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) validated the 737-800BCF’s certification, clearing the way for the freighter to serve a rapidly growing region and busy international trade hub. South Asia is home to one of the world’s largest population centers with 1.7 billion people or nearly one-quarter of the world’s total.

“We are expanding the markets we currently serve, particularly in the Middle East, Hong Kong and Bangladesh and the 737- 800BCF’s reliability and versatility is helping enable our strategic direction,” said Ajay Singh, chairman and managing director, SpiceJet.

The 737-800BCF entered service last year and its order book has grown quickly to 120 orders and commitments. The program has ramped up production – with output set to more than double to 17 units in 2019 – to meet the customer demand.

Built on the Next-Generation 737 passenger airplane, the 737-800BCF is currently operating on four continents (Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America). The 737-800BCF can carry up to 52,800 pounds (23.9 metric tons) of payload.

“SpiceJet has made bold moves to strengthen its position in one of the most dynamic and fast-growing aviation markets,” said Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president Commercial Sales and Marketing for The Boeing Company. “We are excited that SpiceJet has chosen to expand its SpiceXpress operation with the 737-800BCF. This converted freighter gives operators just the right size, operating economics and capabilities to succeed in busy domestic and regional routes.”

See latest HD Video Interviews, Podcasts and other news regarding: SpiceJet, SpiceXpress, Cargo, Freight, BCF.