Kuehne+Nagel launches freighter conversion logistics service

Freight forwarder Kuehne+Nagel is targeting the growing passenger-to-freighter conversion market with a new logistics operation catering for the sector.

The company said that it has developed an end-to-end logistics solution to support passenger aircraft into freighter aircraft in line with “changed cargo market requirements and a significant amount of unused passenger equipment due to Covid-19 pandemic”.

The forwarder said that the modification of aircraft, such as the installation of the main deck cargo door, removal of all passenger amenities, installation of floor grid and freighter floor panels for increased weights and many other modifications, require the transport and management of a massive amount of structural items.

The KN InteriorChain service offers a single point of control to handle “the material flow end-to-end in line with layover schedules and manufacture serial number (MSN) sequence”. 

“The solution includes fully digitised ordering and supplier management, proactive multimodal transportation management, customs, warehousing and end of life solutions,” it added.

Erik Goedhart, senior vice president, global head of aerospace at Kuehne+Nagel, said: “Since the outbreak of the pandemic, Kuehne+Nagel has proven its agility to adapt to changing market requirements quickly.

“With the new P2F aircraft conversion programme, we now offer a reliable end-to-send solution to manage conversions of retired passenger aircraft into a long-lasting freighter, so our customers can scale up their operations, reduce costs and boost cargo capacity. I am very pleased that the initial feedback out of validation sessions with leading airlines and companies for P2F conversions is very positive.”