Aircraft
Study Projects Newer Cargo Conversions Accelerating in 2020
UK consultancy IBA says market value of new-generation aircraft will suit conversion starting around the turn of the decade.
Growing numbers of mid-life Boeing 737-800s will become available for freighter conversion at suitable market values in the 2019-2020 timeframe, according to UK consultancy IBA Group. (Photo: Boeing)
Growing numbers of mid-life Boeing 737-800s will become available for freighter conversion at suitable market values in the 2019-2020 timeframe, according to UK consultancy IBA Group. (Photo: Boeing)

Although older-generation single-aisle and twin-aisle aircraft generally make the best candidates for freighter conversions, values of mid-life examples of newer-generation models such as the Boeing 737-800 will decline enough in the next 24 to 36 months to render them suitable for adaptation to cargo haulers, according to a new white paper released by UK-based consultancy IBA Group. From 2020, the market for conversions of newer-generation aircraft should accelerate to meet freighter replacement and cargo-market growth needs, it added.