KF Aerospace Certifies World’s First Boeing 737-800 Combi Conversion

This article is based on an official press release from KF Aerospace.

KF Aerospace Secures Certification for World’s First Boeing 737-800 Combi

On January 8, 2026, KF Aerospace announced a significant milestone in aviation engineering: the successful certification of the world’s first Boeing 737-800 Combi conversion. Transport Canada has issued Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) #SA25-72 to the Kelowna-based maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) provider, officially approving the modification that transforms a standard passenger jet into a dual-purpose Commercial-Aircraft capable of carrying both freight and passengers on the main deck.

The launch customer for this program is Air Inuit, a carrier vital to Northern Quebec’s supply chain. According to the announcement, Air Inuit took Delivery of the first converted aircraft (Registration C-FTUW) in October 2025, with a second aircraft currently undergoing conversion. This Certification marks the culmination of a complex engineering Partnerships between KF Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineers, Inc. (AEI).

Technical Specifications and Configuration

The KF Aerospace conversion addresses a specific market need for flexibility by splitting the aircraft’s main deck into two distinct sections. Unlike standard freighters or passenger-only variants, this “Combi” configuration allows operators to maximize utility on routes where demand for both cargo and travel fluctuates.

Interior Layout and Capacity

According to the technical data released by KF Aerospace, the converted Boeing 737-800 features a split-deck layout:

• Forward Cargo Section: Capable of accommodating five full-height cargo pallets.
• Aft Passenger Cabin: Configured with 90 economy seats in a standard 3-3 layout.

To facilitate the loading of large freight, the conversion utilizes the AEI 737-800SF large cargo door (86″ x 137″). Safety remains paramount in this mixed-use environment; the aircraft is equipped with a fixed, rigid cargo bulkhead that serves as a smoke barrier between the freight and passenger compartments. Additionally, the Class B main deck cargo compartment features advanced pneumatic fire detection and Halon-based fire suppression systems.

Passenger Experience

Despite the industrial utility of the forward section, the aft cabin retains modern passenger amenities. The press release notes that the cabin includes a fully redesigned interior with large overhead bins, optimized LED lighting, and Starlink high-speed internet connectivity. The aircraft is also certified for medical stretcher installation, a critical capability for medical evacuations in remote regions.

“KF is proud to deliver a world-first solution that expands what’s possible in aircraft conversion… This project reflects the ingenuity, dedication, and deep technical expertise of our entire team.”

Gregg Evjen, President of KF Aerospace

Strategic Importance for Northern Operations

This program was developed specifically to replace the aging fleets of Boeing 737-200 Combi aircraft, which have served remote northern communities for over four decades. The 737-200 series has long been the workhorse of the Arctic due to its gravel runway capabilities, but these airframes are becoming increasingly difficult to maintain and fuel-inefficient.

According to KF Aerospace, the shift to the 737-800 platform offers a dramatic improvement in efficiency, reducing fuel emissions by approximately 40% compared to the legacy aircraft. This alignment with modern sustainability goals is a key driver for operators like Air Inuit.

“Creating unique solutions to cater to unique needs is part of Air Inuit’s DNA. Together with KF Aerospace, we are modernizing northern jet air services with our main focus of better serving Nunavik’s people.”

Christian Busch, CEO of Air Inuit

AirPro News Analysis: The Infrastructure Shift

While the fuel savings and modernization are clear benefits, AirPro News notes a significant operational distinction in this transition. The legacy Boeing 737-200 was famous for its ability to land on gravel runways, a necessity for many remote Arctic outposts. The Boeing 737-800, however, generally requires paved runways.

This technical limitation suggests a shift in logistics strategy for carriers like Air Inuit. We anticipate the new 737-800 Combis will likely serve as high-capacity “trunk” liners connecting major paved hubs (such as Montreal to Kuujjuaq), while smaller turboprops will likely handle the “last mile” distribution to communities with gravel strips. This evolution represents a modernization of the entire northern supply chain, moving away from single-aircraft direct service to a more segmented hub-and-spoke model.

Sources

Sources: KF Aerospace Press Release, Air Inuit Innovation Page