Kelowna’s KF Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineers Inc. (AEI) combined on the conversion project, said to be the first 737-800 Combi of its type in the world, with no comparable aircraft currently operating in Canada, the U.S., Europe, or other international markets.
“This project reflects the ingenuity, dedication, and deep technical expertise of our entire team,” Gregg Evjen, president of KF Aerospace, said in a Monday release.
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The plane has been delivered to Canadian carrier Air Inuit as part of the airline’s ongoing fleet modernization.
Development of the Combi required extensive redesign of the aircraft’s interior and onboard systems to meet certification standards, the release states. KF Aerospace engineered and installed new fire detection and suppression systems, along with advanced smoke-containment features for the cargo compartment.
The program resulted in the creation of hundreds of new parts and custom-engineered solutions.
In service, the plane will be able to carry large cargo shipments and up to 90 passengers. It’s particularly suited for remote regions without a lot of airline infrastructure, the release states.
The plane’s design “unlocks new possibilities for airline operators worldwide,” says Robert T. Convey, senior vice-president at AEI.
KF Aerospace, founded by aviation pioneer Barry Lapointe, is the Okanagan’s largest private-sector employer.
