Boeing and Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Company (GAMECO) announced plans to create additional capacity in China for the 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) program.

The agreement between the two companies was revealed during a signing ceremony at the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai on September 28, 2021.

GAMECO plans to add capacity by opening two new 767-300BCF conversion lines in 2022 due to continued strong market demand.

"It was mutually beneficial to continue building our relationship with GAMECO to provide additional conversion capacity for the 767-300BCF while supporting growth in the region," said Peter Gao, vice president, Boeing Commercial Sales and Marketing for China. "GAMECO has demonstrated excellent execution on the 737-800BCF program."

The deal means GAMECO will be the first MRO in China to have the 767-300BCF capability and the only MRO globally converting both the 767-300BCF and the 737-800BCF.

"The introduction of the 767-300BCF program further grows GAMECO's regional presence and enhances our strategic focus around meeting the strong customer demand," said Norbert Marx, general manager at GAMECO. "We will open the 767-300BCF conversion lines in our new hangar."

Boeing has forecast that 1,720 freighter conversions will be required over the next 20 years, out of which 520 modifications will be for wide-body aircraft from Asian carriers, accounting for almost 40% of the demand.