EFW and MRO Japan collaborate on freighter conversions
23 / 04 / 2024
A321. Photo EFW
German conversion firm Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW), Centre of Excellence for Airbus Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F) conversions and MRO Japan (MJP) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate in passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversions.
Under the MoU, MJP will act as a subcontractor for EFW in P2F conversions and provide third party conversion services for the latter’s Airbus A320P2F/A321P2F programmes.
With this collaboration, MJP will become Japan’s first conversion site for the new-generation Airbus narrowbody P2F aircraft.
Takashi Takahashi, MJP chief executive, said: “We are very excited about the P2F collaboration and are committed to achieving success together with EFW. We look forward to establishing a long-term strategic cooperation between the two companies for Airbus P2F conversions.”
Japan’s freighter and logistics market is estimated by industry researchers to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2% between 2024-2029, with airfreight being the fastest growing market by mode of transport.
Airbus P2F aircraft are currently flying for a variety of operators, including Yamato Holdings, one of Japan’s largest delivery service companies.
“We look forward to welcoming MJP into our global family of P2F conversion sites. The success of the A321P2F aircraft for our customer FUYO and end customer Yamato Holdings, shows how the narrowbody Airbus P2F platform is a perfect fit for the cargo transportation needs in Japan and the region,” said Jordi Boto, chief executive of EFW, a joint venture between Airbus and ST Engineering.
He added: “Partnerships with experienced and well-backed solution providers such as MJP will provide the necessary strategic support as we expand our conversion capacity to capture opportunities in the growing Japanese air cargo market.”
EFW’s Airbus A320P2F/A321P2F programmes are developed in collaboration with ST Engineering and Airbus, with EFW holding the Supplemental Type Certificate and leading in the overall programme as well as marketing & sales efforts.
To meet the demand for Airbus converted freighters, ST Engineering and EFW set up a network of facilities across Asia Pacific, Europe and the US to carry out conversions for their Airbus P2F programmes, which comprise the A330P2F, A320P2F and A321P2F platforms.
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