Air Transport Services Group  (ATSG) usually hires Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to convert Boeing 767 passenger aircraft to freighters, but on Nov. 3 it announced a contract with Boeing to convert four 767-300s to converted freighters. 

This is ATSG’s first 767 passenger-to-freighter conversion contract with Boeing, and ATSG says the decision was based on stronger customer demand for the freighter as well as a desire to diversify its production sources.

The aircraft leasing and air transport services company expects to induct its first 767-300 to become a BCF aircraft in August 2022, with the second to follow in December. The other two will follow in 2023, and it expects all of the 767-300BCF to be delivered to customers in 2024 via its Cargo Aircraft Management subsidiary.
When asked about the source of the 767s, an ATSG spokeswoman said, “Our feedstock is sourced from a variety of origins and passenger aircraft so the feedstock to fill these specific slots could change.” 

She noted that Cargo Aircraft Management already owns 15 767-300s and one Airbus A321-200 that are in the process of being converted or are scheduled to be inducted into a conversion line.

ATSG is one of the world’s largest owners and operators of Boeing 767 converted aircraft. More than 90 of its fleet of 106 Boeing aircraft are 767 converted freighters.
Boeing says it has more than 100 orders and commitments for 767-300BCF aircraft.

ST Engineering in Singapore performs the conversion and Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Co. Ltd. (GAMECO) plans to add two lines for the 767-300BCF in 2022.

Neither ATSG or Boeing disclosed the contract value.