Innovations
Airbus to launch A330P2F cargo conversion program
In February, Airbus signed a MoU for a strategic partnership with ST Aerospace and EADS EFW to develop the A330 Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F) conversion program.
The A330P2F program includes two versions – the A330-200P2F and the larger A330-300P2F. Of the two models, the larger A330-300P2F will be particularly suitable for integrators and express carriers thanks to its high volumetric payload capability with lower-density cargo. Complementing this will be the A330-200P2F, which will be optimised for higher-density freight and longer range performance. Entry-into-service for the first A330-300P2F is targeted for 2016.
In addition, the new conversion program supplements the new-build A330-200F for operators with low aircraft utilization, which favors converted aircraft. New aircraft like the A330-200F can achieve higher utilizations than converted aircraft while maintaining lower operating costs.Both A330-300P2F and A330-200P2F will offer similar payload of approximately 60 tonnes, with small variations depending on the design weights of the aircraft being converted. The range capability will cover routes up to 4,000nm.
Approximately 2,700 freighters will be required over the next 20 years, and around half of those will be in the mid-sized freighter segment, including 900 conversions. Addressing this requirement, both the A330-200P2F and the A330-300P2F facilitate the change to environmentally-friendly, new-technology converted freighters, while recognizing the operators’ focus on capital cost. As well as complementing the factory-build A330-200F in service today, the A330P2F freighter conversion program will also enhance and sustain A330 Family residual values by extending the economic lives of A330 airframes.
For more information contact:
Patrick Baudis
Vice President Marketing, Latin America & Caribbean
patrick.baudis@airbus.com