File photo/Zhang Jian (NBD)

Boeing and Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Co., Ltd. (GAMECO) on Tuesday announced plans to create two new production lines for converted freighters in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou.

The plan, revealed during the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition in the southern Chinese city of Zhuhai, will add capacity for the 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) to help meet continued strong market demand, according to a Boeing statement.

Norbert Marx, general manager at GAMECO, said the introduction of the program further grows GAMECO's regional presence and enhances its strategic focus around meeting the strong customer demand.

The 767-300BCF can carry up to 51.6 tonnes and fly up to 6,190 km. As part of the 767 Freighter family, it offers strong performance in operating costs per trip, payload and range capability.

Boeing forecasts 1,720 freighter conversions will be needed over the next 20 years. Of those, 520 will be wide-body conversions, with Asia carriers accounting for more than 40 percent of that demand.

The 767-300BCF has more than 95 orders and commitments, the company added. 

Email: gaohan@nbd.com.cn