(Photo Oman Air Cargo)
OMAN AIR Cargo has accepted delivery of its first dedicated cargo aircraft. The 737-800BCF (Boeing Converted Freighter) has the ability to carry up to 23.9 tonnes of cargo with a range of just over 2,000nm.
Sporting a slick new livery and the registration A4O-BU (c/n 35108), the airliner was delivered new to the Omani flag carrier in March 2008 and served in regular passenger service until July 2023. The Muscat-based operator suggests the new arrival will cut fuel use by up to 20% compared to previous generation standardbody freighters. Kate Schaefer, vice president of Boeing Commercial Modifications, said: "The 737-800BCF brings the right payload and range to complement Oman Air's passenger fleet with dedicated cargo capacity." This development comes as Oman Air Cargo continues a period of significant growth. In the end of the first half of 2023, the airline reported a 42% rise in freight volumes compared to the same period in 2022. The company says this was primarily driven by capacity expansion across its passenger fleet.