Amazon orders 15 more Boeing 737-800 Converted Freighters from GECAS

June 19, 2019: Amazon has announced that it will lease an additional 15 Boeing 737-800 Converted Freighters from GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS). The announcement was made at the Paris Air Show, which will conclude on June 19. These aircraft will enter the air network by 2021.

Earlier at the Paris Air Show, GECAS signed an agreement with Boeing exercising 10 purchase rights to firm orders and adding 15 more purchase rights for the 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter.

“These new aircraft create additional capacity for Amazon Air, building on the investment in our Prime Free One-Day programme. By 2021, Amazon Air will have a portfolio of 70 aircraft flying in our dedicated air network,” said Dave Clark, senior vice president of worldwide operations at Amazon.

Coincidentally, Amazon's main Air Hub at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport will also open in 2021.

“We’re delighted to support Amazon Air’s dedicated air network. The capability of the 737-800 freighter will further Amazon’s ability to provide reliable and regional delivery to its customers for years to come,” said Richard Greener, GECAS Cargo’s senior vice president.

As reported by Stat Trade Times earlier, according to a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings will provide crew, maintenance and insurance (CMI) services to Amazon using Boeing 737-800 series aircraft.

Amazon's strengthening partnership with GECAS is in view of its aggresive explansion plan and ambitious one-day delivery promise fulfillment. Amazon will open new air facilities this year at Fort Worth Alliance Airport, Wilmington Air Park, and Chicago Rockford International Airport.

The company recently launched its Amazon Flex programme in India, offering part-time employment delivery opportunities at Rs 120 to 140 per hour.