Boeing's 737-800BCF air freighters will be converted in Kelowna starting in 2023.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Boeing
November 15, 2021 - 2:02 PM
Given the high demand for air freighters, Boeing plans to open two conversion lines in Kelowna.
Boeing estimates that 1,720 conversions will be needed over the next 20 years so is opening one conversion line at London’s Gatwick Airport next year and two lines at KF Aerospace in Kelowna in 2023 to convert its 737-800BCF. They are among the other conversion lines already in the works in Asia and Costa Rica.
"Building a diverse and global network of conversion facilities is critical to supporting our customers' growth and meeting regional demand," Jens Steinhagen, director of Boeing Converted Freighters, said in a news release.
"KF Aerospace and our Boeing teammates at London Gatwick have the infrastructure, capabilities and expertise required to deliver market-leading Boeing Converted Freighters to our customers."
READ MORE: Increasing air travel means Kelowna’s KF Aerospace looking to hire
KF Aerospace has been operating in Kelowna for more than 50 years and has worked with Boeing for 30 of them.
The 737-800BCF offers higher reliability, lower fuel consumption and lower operating costs than other standard-body freighters, KF said.
The company does not say how many jobs will be created with the added work.
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