Launch of A320/A321P2F freighter conversion program: Perfect fit for Latin America

Boosting program longevity and enhancing aircraft values

Paving the way for Airbus’ first ever single-aisle freighter, an agreement was signed in June during the Paris Le Bourget Air Show between Airbus and Singapore-based ST Aerospace to offer passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversion solutions for the largest members of the A320 Family: the A320 and A321.
Airbus sees a significant market demand in the small freighter segment of more than 600 aircraft over the next 20 years. The A320P2F which has eleven main-deck container positions can carry 21 metric tonnes of payload over 2,100nm and the larger A321P2F with 14 main-deck positions can carry up to 27 metric tonnes over 1,900nm.

Uniquely, the A320 Family is the only single-aisle type that also accommodates containers or pallets on the lower deck, which translates into more usable volume, increased payload capability and protection against inclement weather.

An excellent fit for Latin America

With over 500 A320 family aircraft already in service in Latin America, the aircraft is well known to our operators and customers, who have benefited from its great economics. Freight operators in Latin America, where transportation by air sometimes has no surface alternative, will now have the opportunity to benefit from the A320’s modern technology and superior capabilities as well. The A320 and A321P2F will be the first and only small jet freighters featuring fly-by-wire technology, which will make an A320 / A321 / A330 combination a highly successful one. The A320’s advanced technology includes the extensive use of weight-saving composites, an optimized wing that is 20 per cent is more efficient than previous designs, a centralized fault display for easier troubleshooting and lower maintenance costs, along with Airbus’ fly-by-wire flight controls.

Planning is in place to deliver the first P2F converted aircraft – an A321 – in 2018.
The A320/A321 P2F conversion will be marketed and managed by Dresden, Germany based Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW). As part of this agreement, Singapore based ST Aerospace will increase its shareholding in EFW to 55 percent, replacing Airbus as the majority shareholder in the company. Airbus will retain a minority 45 percent shareholding in EFW.

For more information contact:
Simon-F Pickup
Strategic Marketing Director
Simon.Pickup@airbus.com