Atran Airlines has signed a lease agreement with GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) for two Boeing 737-800 converted freighters.

The passenger-converted aircraft are scheduled for delivery in late 2018 and the first half of 2019.

They will provide additional capacity for Volga-Dnepr’s express carrier, joining the existing fleet of three Boeing 737-400 Freighters.

GECAS senior vice president and manager cargo aircraft group, Richard Greener says: “GECAS is excited to provide these converted 737-800 freighters to Atran Airlines as they begin investments in the next generation freighter.”

Cargo Logic Management fleet development director, Paul Nolan adds: “These newly converted 737-800 freighters will assist Atran Airlines in achieving its strategic objectives and serving customers in e-commerce and express services on Russia-China routes.

“Being equipped with CFM56-7B24 engines, the narrow-body 737-800 freighter is able to carry up to 23,5 tonnes of cargo, which is 3.5 tonnes larger than for Boeing 737-400 freighter and will guarantee much-needed capacity.”

Atran Airlines operates from Moscow’s Vnukovo International Airport, providing cargo services for mail and express shipments linking Europe, Russia and the CIS.