Alaska Air Cargo recently introduced the first converted Boeing 737-700 cargo aircraft to its fleet, marking the first time an all-passenger aircraft has been converted to an all-freight aircraft.
The aircraft was converted in Tel Aviv by Israel Aerospace Industries over a 19-month period. According to the airline, it will take delivery of two more converted 737-700 freighters and four 737-400 combi aircraft, which are built to carry both passengers and cargo, prior to it retiring its entire existing 737-400 combi fleet by Oct. 18.
“This one-of-a-kind aircraft marks the beginning of a new era at Alaska Airlines,” Wayne Newton, vice president of Airport Operations and Customer Service at Alaska Airlines, said. “With an all-freight fleet, our cargo business is now a stand-alone operation, allowing us to better focus on the needs of our cargo customers.”
Service for the converted freighter officially began on Sept. 26. Once fully delivered, the new all-freight aircraft fleet will primarily serve the state of Alaska and provide regular service to 17 cities across the state. Additionally, the company’s air cargo division will provide more scheduled freight service than any other Alaska-based carrier.
“The new freighter will transform our cargo business and allow us to provide more efficient and consistent service,” Alaska Air Cargo Managing Director Jason Berry said. “Now we can move more freight than ever before, and optimize schedules to meet the needs of our cargo partners.”