Elbe Flugzeugwerke GmbH (EFW) has received the validation of its Supplement Type Certification (V-STC) for its Airbus A321 Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F) conversion programme from Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC).
This validation was achieved alongside EFW’s redelivery of an A321P2F aircraft to AerCap for lease to Azul Cargo. This aircraft is the first ever A321P2F to be operated in South America.
Aviation leasing company AerCap placed firm orders for 15 Airbus A321 Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F) conversions with EFW in October 2022, and has options for a further 15 aircraft.
Azul Cargo plans to add one more A321P2Fs to its fleet by end of this year.
With the V-STC from ANAC, EFW’s conversion programmes are now validated by major aviation authorities from all continents, enabling it to offer aircraft conversions, registrations and operations across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Australia.
“With the validated STC for our A321P2F program obtained from the Brazilian aviation authority, we look forward to introducing this freighter conversion solution to the wider South American market,” said Jordi Boto, chief executive of German freighter conversion firm EFW, a joint venture of ST Engineering and Airbus.
“The validated STC, together with our first-ever A321P2F to be operated in South America by Azul Cargo, mark a major milestone that augments the global presence of our Airbus converted freighters,” added Izabel Reis, director of Azul Cargo Express.
“The arrival of a new aircraft is always a reason for pride and celebration; it means that we are getting closer to offering the best opportunities and much more capacity to serve our current and new customers.
“These are modern aircraft, with more space, reliability, and the autonomy for international flights. With the two freighters, we will promote a logistical transformation in the country and we are ready to deliver even more agility to Brazilians.”
Photo: EFW
Prior to ANAC’s V-STC, A321P2F aircraft in the Americas were registered in North America, flying cargo to US destinations as well as several countries in central America, stated EFW.
The company’s widebody freighters, operated by airlines registered in the Americas, serve primarily domestic routes in the US and Mexico, followed by routes connecting North America with South America and Asia.
Over 10% of all EFW P2F aircraft in operation worldwide are registered in the Americas and have performed over 4.000 flights in the past 12 months.
EFW has seen steady demand for its A321P2F conversions. Alongside AerCap, EFW has previously secured orders from companies including SmartLynx Airlines, lessor BBAM and Japan Airlines (JAL) and Yamato Holdings.
Airbus A321-200 passenger to freighter (P2F) conversions will become much more common in the future, aviation data company IBA has predicted. Other conversion companies currently carrying out A321 conversions include 321 Precision Conversions, a joint venture between Aircraft Transport Services Group (ATSG) and Precision Aircraft Solutions (PAS).
A321P2F conversion demand set to grow
AerCap signs for up to 30 Airbus A321 P2Fs with EFW
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