GAMECO begins 737 freighter conversion

Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Company (GAMECO) has begun works on their first Boeing 737 freighter conversion at their newly opened conversion facility in Guangzhou, China.

Aeromexico Boeing 737-800 in the carrier's livery. Photo by Andrew Pries | AeroNewsX

GAMECO and Boeing announced a collaboration in October 2019 to launch a new 737-800 conversion facility in China to meet the growing market demand for the Boeing 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF).

The first aircraft to be converted bearing the registration N520AM was towed into the hangar on the 18 May. The aircraft arrived at Guangzhou Baiyun Airport from Tokyo on the 17 May and was still wearing AeroMexico livery. The second 737-800 to be converted is expected to begin in the second half of 2020.

GAMECO is the third conversion facility in China. Two other China-based MRO companies including Boeing Shanghai Aviation Services (BSAS) and Taikoo Shandong Aircraft Engineering Company (STAECO) are also providing 737-800 BCF programmes.

GAMECO also began operations at its new maintenance line at Beijing Daxing Airport. This maintenance line is a joint venture between China Southern Airlines and GAMECO. This hangar occupies a total land area of 40,000 square meters, making it the largest hangar in Asia.