Aeronautical Engineers, Inc. (AEI) has announce that it has received ETOPS 180 approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its B737-800SF freighter conversion. AEI is the only conversion house to have gained ETOPS approval for the 737-800 platform.

The ETOPS 180 approval allows the B737-800SF freighter to fly 180-minute extended operations over water and remote regions. This opens operational routes in areas such as Northern Africa and Western China.

“AEI continues to unleash additional advantages for customers operating our B737-800SF freighter,” said Robert T. Convey, senior vice president of sales and marketing for AEI. “With the ETOPS 180 approval, our customers will have more opportunities to expand their routes and service the growing needs of global air cargo.”

The AEI converted B737-800SF freighter offers a main deck payload of up to 52,700 lbs. (23,904 kg) and incorporates eleven full height 88” x 125” container positions, plus an additional position for an AEP/AEH. The conversion also incorporates new floor beams aft of the wing box, a large 86” x 137” Main Cargo Door with a single vent door system.

AEI’s design allows for containers to be loaded into the aircraft a full 16.5” aft of the forward door jamb, ensuring ground operators have sufficient manoeuvring room which minimises potential door and aircraft strikes.

Additionally, the AEI B737-800SF includes a flexible Ancra Cargo Loading System, a rigid 9g barrier, five supernumerary seats as standard, a galley, and full lavatory.