CIS approves AEI conversion imports

THE Commonwealth of Independent States has given Aeronautical Engineers (AEI) its permission to import its 737-300SF and 737-400SF conversions. These are the first conversions. These are the first conversions of a Western company the CIS has approved.
Robert Convey, vice-president of sales and marketing, said that AEI's 737 conversions will provide CIS companies with alternatives to the ageing AN-12 freighter fleet and be used for growth opportunities.
There are currently no Russian-built freighters that can do what the 737 classics do in terms of payload and range so the competition is limited.

Based upon our analysis the CIS countries will surpass Chin in the number of registered 737 classic freighters by 2013. Unlike China, the CIS demand will be driven by the need for replacement of existing freighters rather than the organic growth currently being experienced in China he added.
Regarding what contracts had already been made for the conversions, Convey revealed We are currently in discussions with two customers for a total of 11 737-400 conversions. I will be make an announcement on 25 January regarding the award from the first customer in Russia.
Felix Minevich, president of Omega Worldwide, which helped AEI obtain the IAC approval, said The AEI freighters will open up a huge opportunity for cargo operators is Russia and CIS countries. The demand for these types of freighter aircraft is enormous and we expect to immediately see conversion orders.
Convey said that AEI will initially convert the aircraft at Commercial Jet in Miami, but that they will eventually be converted at Boeing Shanghai, which is a AEI-authorised conversion centre. Each conversion will take 90 days.