IBA predicts potential shift to P2Fs but with challenges

The aviation market intelligence and consulting company, IBA has predicted a potential oversupply of the Boeing 737-800 passenger to freighter (P2F) aircraft with 60 conversions forecast for this year alone. IBA also mentioned that conversions for 737-800 have been faster than any of the other P2F programmes. The organisation said, “The total 737-800 P2F fleet is on course to surpass the 757-200 P2F fleet of 311 aircraft, which IBA believes suggests a risk of oversupply based on the rapid fleet growth. Indeed, the 737-800 continues to lead the narrowbody conversion market with conversions of the A321-200 remaining steady as expected with 20 planned for this year.” For the next 20 years, Boeing estimates a demand for approximately 2,800 production-plus-conversion deliveries.