MONTREAL - The IFL Group of Waterford, Michigan has signed a firm purchase agreement to acquire the first Bombardier CRJ200 SF (Special Freighter) aircraft. The aircraft will join IFL Group’s fleet flying air freight throughout North, Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean.

Prior to being delivered to the IFL Group, the aircraft will be converted to all-cargo configuration by Aeronautical Engineers, Inc. (AEI) of Miami, Florida, a Bombardier-licensed Third Party Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) provider for passenger-to-freighter conversions for CRJ100 and CRJ200 aircraft. The freighters include a large cargo door and are marketed by AEI as CRJ100 and CRJ200 Special Freighter (SF) aircraft.

"AEI is offering an outstanding opportunity for additional utilization of CRJ100 and CRJ200 aircraft in the secondary aviation market," said Ross Mitchell, Vice President, Business Acquisition, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. "The re-configuration of CRJ100 and CRJ200 aircraft that are being phased out by airlines transitioning to larger regional aircraft provides an opportunity to set new standards for regional large door freighters."

The CRJ100/CRJ200 SF features eight 61.5 in x 88 in (256 cm x 223.5 cm) pallet positions and can carry up to 14,840 lbs. (6,731 kg) of main deck payload. AEI installs cargo door measuring 94 inches by 77 inches (238.7 x 195.6 cm). The aircraft also features a dual vent door system, rigid 9G barrier, and 28-VDC independent cargo door hydraulic system. Cabin windows are replaced by lightweight aluminum window plugs.

Source: Bombardier