321 Precision Conversions gains China’s approval for A321-200 freighter conversion
24 / 10 / 2023
Photo: 321 Precision Conversions
Aircraft Transport Services Group (ATSG) and Precision Aircraft Solutions (PAS) joint venture 321 Precision Conversions has received approval from China for its A321-200PCF freighter conversion.
“321 Precision Conversions is pleased to announce the Civil Aviation Administration of China validated the A321-200PCF freighter conversion STC ST02716SE as VSTC1084,” said the company in a press release.
“This certification further validates the Precision design and enables the most fuel efficient A321-200 freighter conversion to operate in China.”
The first aircraft, “MSN 1926”, was inducted by Sichuan Aviation Industry Development Co., Ltd. (SAID). The modification and maintenance activities were carried out by Sichuan Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Co., Ltd. (SMECO).
This aircraft is expected to be redelivered to Sichuan Airlines in November. Sichuan Airlines will be the first A321 freighter operator in China and will utilize the 321 Precision Conversions modification.
Zach Young, director of sales and marketing at 321 Precision Conversions, said: “We are excited to celebrate this milestone in the worldwide certification process as the first A321 conversion STC to obtain CAAC approval. The CAAC has determined that our A321 cargo conversion has met stringent safety and technical certification standards.”
The A321-200PCF provides (14) A-Code 88 x 125-inch main deck positions and (10) ULD positions in the lower hold when equipped.
Capability is increased by optimising the operating empty weight (OEW) rather than imposing costly weight upgrades, said 321 Precision Conversions.
The company added that no permanent ballast installation in the aft main deck yields a lower fuel burn, lower carbon footprint, friendly CG, and higher standard payload.
The 321 Precision Conversions STC is applicable to both V2500 and CFM engine variants and multiple thrust ratings.
SAID is a joint venture between Sichuan Airlines Co., Ltd., Sichuan Development Aviation Industry Investment Group Co., Ltd and Sichuan Airlines Logistics Co., Ltd. to provide A321 passenger to freighter conversions services and other aircraft maintenance services.
SAID inducts MSN 1926 as the first article B-Registered CAAC aircraft and introduces it into domestic Chinese freighter operation.
SMECO established a professional maintenance system led by Airbus A320 series aircraft and obtained the maintenance qualification licenses from CAAC, FAA, EASA, JMM, etc.
The company’s main operation base is located in Chengdu ShuangLiu International Airport (CTU) and the sub base is located in Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU), China.
321 Precision Conversions partners with SAID for freighter conversions
HAECO completes first A321-200PCF freighter conversion with 321 Precision Conversions
