newstodate.aero
Aug 05, 2015 (newstodate): The Icelandic cargo ACMI operator Bluebird Cargo sees its future with converted Boeing freighters.
The carrier currently operates a fleet comprising six Boeing 737 converted freighters, including four Boeing 737-300SF and two Boeing 737-400SF freighter aircraft on lease contracts.
-We are seeing rather a plenty of converted Boeing 737 freighters in the market, notably the -400 aircraft that would be an immediate option if we should decide to expand our fleet further, says Steinn Logi Bjornsson, Bluebird Cargo co-owner and Chairman of the Board.
-We do not today have plans for taking in further aircraft, but that would of course be an option if we identify new windows of opportunity.
-We are also noting that conversion programs for Boeing 737NG aircraft are now in progress, with the first converted aircraft on the market from 2017/18. Given the lower fuel consumption of these aircraft I would imagine that they, rather than converted Airbus A320 freighters, would be our choice when time comes for a fleet modernization. With today's comparatively low fuel prices this parameter is, however, not crucial.
-More crucial to an ACMI operator is the fact that ACMI contracts are usually short-term while our aircraft lease contracts are long-term. The risk is thus primarily on our side while customers like the integrators enjoy the windfall of benefits. This contributes to making ACMI business very sensitive, says Mr Bjornsson.
The carrier currently operates a fleet comprising six Boeing 737 converted freighters, including four Boeing 737-300SF and two Boeing 737-400SF freighter aircraft on lease contracts.
-We are seeing rather a plenty of converted Boeing 737 freighters in the market, notably the -400 aircraft that would be an immediate option if we should decide to expand our fleet further, says Steinn Logi Bjornsson, Bluebird Cargo co-owner and Chairman of the Board.
-We do not today have plans for taking in further aircraft, but that would of course be an option if we identify new windows of opportunity.
-We are also noting that conversion programs for Boeing 737NG aircraft are now in progress, with the first converted aircraft on the market from 2017/18. Given the lower fuel consumption of these aircraft I would imagine that they, rather than converted Airbus A320 freighters, would be our choice when time comes for a fleet modernization. With today's comparatively low fuel prices this parameter is, however, not crucial.
-More crucial to an ACMI operator is the fact that ACMI contracts are usually short-term while our aircraft lease contracts are long-term. The risk is thus primarily on our side while customers like the integrators enjoy the windfall of benefits. This contributes to making ACMI business very sensitive, says Mr Bjornsson.