Avensis adds pallet loading for reversible A330 conversion

Avensis Aviation has launched a new version of its Medius reversible conversion for Airbus A330s that speeds up the loading of aircraft.

The Medius Evo utilises a cargo loading system (CLS) and custom narrow pallets that can be loaded onto the aircraft through the door rather than individual boxes being loaded as with the existing Medius solution.

The company said that this would speed up the loading of aircraft to around 100 minutes compared with more than 250 minutes with the existing solution.

The Medius modification is the first and only EASA STC-certified conversion of its kind. It involves fully removing the passenger cabin and transforming it into a full Class-E Cargo Compartment.

The conversion does not involve cutting a maindeck cargo door into the aircraft. While this gives airlines the option of changing the aircraft back to passenger configuration in the future, loading via the more narrow passenger door does slow down the loading of the aircraft – something Avensis hopes the new evo system will help combat.

Cristian Sutter, chief executive of Avensis Aviation, said: “Our latest addition to the Medius portfolio of freighter conversions showcases Avensis’ strengths in innovating ahead of the market’s changing needs.

“The Medius Evo conversion is agile, reversible and applicable to widebodied aircraft, allowing airlines to maximise their fleets through reduced turnaround times. By incorporating new cargo loading capabilities, cargo can be loaded and offloaded faster than ever.”

Avensis added that the Medius Evo modification is “considerably lighter” than previous Avensis solutions, leading to an “optimised aircraft empty weight and a more fuel-efficient conversion product, boosting airlines’ operational efficiency”.

It retains the Class-E cabin rating and also incorporates a minor reconfiguration of the smoke detection system.

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