China Southern Signs Lease for Boeing 777-300 Converted Freighters
AER•China Southern Airlines will lease Boeing 777-300 passenger-to-freighter converted aircraft under Boeing’s 777-300BCF program starting in early 2026, marking its largest freighter expansion to date. The transaction underscores rising demand for widebody freighter conversions and could boost AerCap’s BCF order book and lease revenue as global cargo capacity tightens.
1. Deal Details
China Southern Airlines has secured leases for Boeing 777-300 passenger-to-freighter conversions under Boeing’s 777-300BCF program, expanding its long-haul cargo network starting in early 2026. The move represents the carrier’s most significant freighter fleet enhancement and leverages Boeing’s growing conversion capacity to meet rising air cargo demand.
2. Implications for AerCap
Although specific lessor details have not been disclosed, this deal signals strong market appetite for widebody freighter conversions that could benefit AerCap’s own BCF order book and utilization rates. As global supply chain pressures persist, AerCap stands to capture additional lease revenue from its growing portfolio of converted freighters.
