Bombardier has delivered the first CRJ200 Special Freighter (SF) to launch operator Gulf & Caribbean Cargo, the manufacturer announced on Wednesday.

The CRJ100SF/CRJ200SF models are converted from the passenger version of the regional jet by Miami-based Aeronautical Engineers Inc. (AEI), which is licensed by Bombardier to perform supplemental type certificate work. The freighter design includes a large cargo door, holds up to 14,840 pounds of payload on the main deck and offers eight pallet positions for containers.

Aeronautical Engineers has received commitments for 45 aircraft conversions from various operators and expects to convert 100 aircraft over the life of the program, said Robert Convey, sales and marketing v-p.

“CRJ100 and 200 jets are the assets upon which regional airlines have built their existence; however, they are gradually being replaced in favor of larger aircraft and are finding homes in secondary markets with modifications such as AEI’s freighter conversions,” said David Speirs, Bombardier Asset Management v-p. “We are continuing to see growing interest in these pre-owned aircraft from both traditional and emerging sectors of the industry.”

Gulf & Caribbean Cargo is a U.S. operator, headquartered in Waterford, Michigan.