ST Engineering’s A321 passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversion programme gained traction among operators and lessors looking for a viable P2F solution in the narrow-body story_category when its joint venture with Airbus, Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW), secured a Letter of Intent (LOI) for an A321 converted freighter from BBAM, a global leader in aircraft lease management. The LOI was inked at Paris Airshow 2019.
The A321 passenger aircraft will be inducted for conversion into a 14-pallet cargo configuration in mid-2020, and is scheduled for redelivery in end 2020. The order by BBAM follows a launch contract that was announced in 2018.
The A321 P2F conversion programme was launched in 2015 together with the A320 P2F programme, and is the result of a collaboration between ST Engineering, Airbus and EFW. ST Engineering is responsible for the engineering development phase, up to obtaining the Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and US Federal Aviation Administration. Airbus contributes to the programme with Original Equipment Manufacturer data and certification support, while EFW leads the overall programme and marketing & sales.
Steve Zissis, President and CEO of BBAM, said, “As the first conversion solution to introduce a containerised lower deck in the segment of narrowbody freighters, the A321P2F has the potential to be the game changer for any hub and spoke operation, and to greatly help realise the projected global air cargo growth rate. For this reason, we made the decision to work with EFW to offer this conversion solution to our customers.”
Dr Andreas Sperl, CEO of EFW, said, “We are pleased to welcome BBAM as one of our prestigious P2F customers. Given the track record we have in redelivering converted freighters with the support and resources from parent companies, ST Engineering and Airbus, we are confident in meeting BBAM’s requirements for this first conversion, and we look forward to engaging them soon in the near future for follow-on conversion projects.”
The A321P2F conversion programme is the first in its size story_category to offer containerised loading in both the main deck (up to 14 container positions) and lower deck (up to 10 container positions). With a generous payload-range capability that can carry up to 27.9 metric tons over 2,300 nautical miles, the A321P2F is the ideal narrow-body freighter aircraft for express domestic and regional operations. Prototype conversion of the A321P2F will be completed by end of this year, while the STC is expected to be obtained in early 2020.
Other P2F solutions marketed by ST Engineering which uses the Airbus platform include the A330 that comes with two variants – the A330-200 and the larger A330-300. The first A330-200 and A330-300 converted freighter have been redelivered to launch customer EgyptAir Cargo and DHL Express respectively, while more units are currently undergoing conversion.
Emirates will add another 43 A380s and 28 Boeing 777 aircraft to its extensive cabin retrofit programme lifting the total…
Lilium, developer of the first all-electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) jet is partnering with advanced air mobility (AAM) operator…
Lockheed Martin Skunk Works recently joined the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School and other government and industry partners in…
Airbus has finalised the acquisition of U.S.-based Aerovel and its unmanned aerial system (UAS), Flexrotor, in a move to strengthen…
The Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) is highlighting its 5th Generation Jet Fighter KAAN, as well as its T625 Gokbey Helicopter…
Sarsilmaz is bringing its range of weapons to the ongoing show. The company is displaying its defence products from small…
Roketsan is showcasing its well-earned reputation in the development of groundbreaking technologies in rocket, missile and weapon systems at this…
An insight into possible weapon options for the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s (RMAF) new Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) FA-50 light…
Countries across regions are increasingly staying away from Russian arms since due to the fear of inviting U.S. sanctions, opening…
Fresh after its success in deploying 5G services in India, Vietnam’s Military Industry and Telecoms Group (Viettel) is at the…
Saab is displaying its training solutions for modern training needs at the ongoing DSA. The company is also showcasing its…
Ranhill Defence & Technology a Malaysian provider of defence solutions has partnered with Thai manufacturer of defence vehicles Chaiseri to…
BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited (BAPL), the Indo-Russian manufacturer of cruise missiles is presenting its offering for use on air, land…
STM, a prominent player in the Turkish defence sector is showcasing its naval platforms and tactical mini-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)…
Indian provider of anti-ballistic solutions SMPP Private Limited is presenting its range of bullet-proof armour-based solutions at the ongoing show.…
DRB-HICOM Defence Technologies Sdn. Bhd. (DEFTECH) is marking a strong presence at the ongoing with a wide range of offerings…
DRB-HICOM Defence Technologies Sdn Bhd (Deftech), a subsidiary of DRB-HICOM Bhd is now undertaking developmental flight testing of Malaysia’s first-ever…
The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) is seeking to procure two assault craft for its special forces unit, Paskal. These assault…
The Malaysian Army is set to bolster its arsenal with additional mortar systems following previous acquisitions from Spain. In 2022,…
Leonardo is displaying a model of the ATR 72 MPA in Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) colours. Two ATR 72…
Pakistan based defence firm Global Industrial & Defence Solutions (GIDS) is showcasing its growing range of defence products at the…
The ongoing edition of Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security (NATSEC) Asia 2024 now underway is slated to result…
BAE Systems is highlighting the capabilities of Nautomate, an autonomous control system for uncrewed marine vehicles, by demonstrating it on…
Turkish defence firm, ASELSAN is showcasing a growing range of defence equipment and services at the ongoing show, in order…
Emirates has announced the first set of destinations to be served by its A350 aircraft entering service in September 2024.…
Ocean Infinity, has presented a new MH370 underwater search proposal to Anthony Loke, the Malaysian Minister of Transport in Kuala…
The 18th edition of Defence Services Asia this year (DSA 2024) is expected to be the biggest ever in the…
It is not a coincidence that the Turkish contingent at the show is one of the largest. The Turkish defence…
Aselsan is keen to grow its market presence in Malaysia and is participating in the ongoing DSA with a wide…
"During the DSA event, we will be holding important discussions on what we can do to strengthen the naval defence…
Headquartered in Singapore with reporters spread across all major regions, GBP Aerospace & Defence is a leading media house that publishes three publications that serve the aerospace and defence sector - Asian Defence Technology, Asian Airlines & Aerospace and Daily News. Known industry-wide for quality journalism, GBP Aerospace & Defence is present at more international tradeshows and exhibitions than any other competing publication in the region.
For over three decades, our award-winning team of reporters has been producing top-notch content to help readers stay abreast of the latest developements in the field of commercial aviation, MRO, defence, and Space.
Copyright 2024. GBP. All Rights Reserved.
Home Defence & Security Space Commercial Aviation Maintence Repair & Overhaul Daily News Events About Us
2024 GBP all rights reserved.