30 Oct 2025
#5 October 2025: North American Aviation Newsletter
AEI Launches New Boeing 737-900ERSF Passenger-to-Freighter Conversion Programme
Aeronautical Engineers, Inc. (AEI) has officially launched its Boeing 737-900 Extended Range Special Freighter (B737-900ERSF) conversion programme. Developed under AEI’s Boeing-licensed third-party STC arrangement, the programme targets FAA certification in 2029, followed by EASA and CAAC validations. Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing Robert T. Convey stated, “This is a strategic move to address the increasing demand for higher-capacity narrowbody freighters. With global e-commerce and express markets continuing to expand, the B737-900ERSF will provide operators with the right blend of payload, volume, and economics.” The initiative extends AEI’s well-established freighter conversion portfolio, positioning it to capture future demand for next-generation narrowbody cargo platforms.
American Airlines Names Nathaniel Pieper Chief Commercial Officer
American Airlines announced the appointment of Nathaniel (Nat) Pieper as Chief Commercial Officer, effective 3 November 2025. Pieper, who currently serves as CEO of the oneworld alliance, will report to American Airlines CEO Robert Isom. Isom described Pieper as a “world-class, results-oriented leader” with a proven record of success across leadership roles at Northwest, Delta, and Alaska Airlines. The appointment comes at a strategic time as American focuses on strengthening its network performance and aligning its commercial operations for the next phase of post-pandemic growth and competitive positioning within the U.S. major carrier landscape.
Delta to Begin First Nonstop Flight to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Delta Air Lines announced plans to launch nonstop service between Atlanta (ATL) and Riyadh (RUH) from October 2026, operating three times weekly using Airbus A350-900 aircraft. The new route expands Delta’s global reach into the Middle East for the first time, facilitating growing trade, investment, and tourism flows between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. CEO Ed Bastian said, “Launching service to Riyadh marks a key step in Delta’s global growth as we start our second century of flight. It connects customers to a dynamic region while reflecting our vision to create meaningful opportunities worldwide.” The addition underscores Delta’s broader international growth strategy focusing on emerging global business hubs.
KF Aerospace Delivers First Custom 737-800 Combi Aircraft for Air Inuit
KF Aerospace announced the delivery of the first Boeing 737-800 combi aircraft for Air Inuit, marking a significant advancement in the airline’s fleet modernisation programme. The conversion, completed at KF’s Kelowna facility, enables flexible passenger and cargo operations on northern jet routes, providing critical air connectivity to remote communities. The aircraft features increased capacity, updated avionics, and improved fuel efficiency. Air Inuit President and CEO Christian Busch noted, “Together with KF Aerospace, we are modernising northern jet air services with our main focus on better serving Nunavik’s people.” The project reinforces KF’s reputation for delivering customised aircraft solutions for specialised regional operators.
Acumen’s Take
On AEI’s 737-900ERSF Conversion Programme
AEI’s entry into the 737-900ERSF market underscores the continuing strength of the converted freighter sector. As express and e-commerce volumes remain robust, demand for higher-capacity narrowbodies will grow. AEI’s early move positions it strategically to capture long-term market share in a niche segment bridging payload and range gaps between 737NG and 757 freighters.
On American Airlines’ Leadership Appointment
Nathaniel Pieper’s appointment as CCO brings a seasoned commercial strategist to American’s leadership team. His experience across multiple legacy carriers and alliances will be instrumental in refining revenue optimisation, partnership expansion, and premium customer propositions as the airline consolidates its global strategy.
On Delta’s New Riyadh Route
Delta’s planned Atlanta–Riyadh service reflects a broader trend of U.S. carriers re-engaging with Gulf and Middle Eastern markets. The route’s introduction aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative and growing bilateral trade. For Delta, it adds a new long-haul growth vector connecting North America to a strategically important economic region.
On KF Aerospace’s Air Inuit Delivery
The delivery of Air Inuit’s 737-800 combi conversion highlights KF Aerospace’s engineering expertise in delivering tailored aircraft solutions for unique operational environments. The project enhances northern connectivity, enabling flexible utilisation and improved economics for regional carriers serving remote communities across Canada.
Acumen Aviation © 31 October 2025 All Rights Reserved.
