The Lagos, Nigeria-based cargo airline ups its transport capacity by adding Boeing 737-800 passenger-to-freighter converted aircraft to its fleet. Responsible for the transformation is Miami, Florida-based specialist, Aeronautical Engineers, Inc. AEI received two firm orders from Allied Air, including options for two additional modifications of this aircraft type.
According to the agreement inked by both companies, the modification of the first aircraft (MSN 36846) is scheduled to start in a few days. The job will be done by AEI Group member, Commercial
Jet, also based in Miami, FLA. AEI states that the aircraft will be the youngest 737-800SF (Special Freighter) converted to date, and it will be the first of its kind owned and operated by an
African airline.
The B737-800SF generates revenue, AEI
Once the conversion is accomplished, the freighter will offer a main deck payload of 24 tons and incorporates eleven full height 223 x 317 cm container positions, plus an additional position for
an AEP/AEH classified box. The conversion also incorporates new floor beams aft of the wing box, a large cargo door measuring 218 x 348 cm and includes up to five seats for on-board couriers or
flight crew, a galley and lavatory. “When combined with proven reliability, the AEI converted B737-800SF will allow Allied Air to keep their aircraft in the air, generating revenue,”
assures the U.S. aircraft converter.
No flash in the pan
Unlike dozens of other African airlines that disappeared from the sky shortly after being founded, the 1998 incepted Nigerian freight carrier has built up an impressive track record. It offers
scheduled and charter flights within its home country, connects Lagos with other African destinations such as Accra, Abidjan, Banjul, Cotonou, Dakar, Douala, and Freetown amongst others, and
flies to Liege in Belgium twice a week, deploying an MD-11F.
Daily DHL flights
Allied Air is Africa’s first IOSA certified freight airline, operating three B737-400SFs. A key customer is DHL Express, visible on the body of one of the freighters painted in DHL colors. On
behalf of the package delivery company, the aircraft transports time critical cargo, express goods and high revenue items from Lagos to Ghana, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea, Congo and
Cameroon on a daily basis.
Another major customer is the Central Bank of Nigeria for which Allied Air caries valuables and other goods of sensitive nature virtually every day.
The company started off its operation with four 727 freighters but switched to three B737-400Fs years after, which have been the backbone of the fleet ever since.
The airline offers its clients 24/7 cargo handling at its home base, Murtala Mohammed International, employs 120-plus staff including flight crew, and runs offices at major Nigerian cities as
well as in London, Paris, Amsterdam and Belgium.
Heiner Siegmund
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