EFW and MRO Japan partner on A320P2F/A321P2F conversions

MRO Japan (MJP) and Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW) have formally signed a partnership that will see MJP provide third-party conversion services for EFW’s Airbus A320 passenger to freighter (P2F)/A321P2F programmes.

The process of onboarding MJP as a subcontractor for EFW involves training in tooling, engineering, supply chain, industrialisation, and quality to ensure operational readiness, said the German freighter conversion company.

The first aircraft induction for conversion at MJP’s facility is expected to commence by the end of 2025. Naha International Airport-based MJP will then become the first conversion site in Japan for eenarrowbody P2F aircraft.

Air Cargo News reported in August that MJP planed to start Airbus P2F conversions in fiscal 2025 and had obtained European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification that enabled it to undertake conversion work on Airbus passenger aircraft.

This followed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in April by MJP and EFW to collaborate on P2F conversions. Under the MoU, MRO Japan agreed to act as a subcontractor for EFW in P2F conversions and provide third-party conversion services for EFW’s Airbus A320P2F/A321P2F programmes.

“We are excited to have MJP join our global network of P2F conversion sites,” said Jordi Boto, chief executive of EFW. “Collaborating with experienced and well backed aircraft solution providers like MJP supports our capacity for freighter conversions to capture opportunities in the growing Japanese air cargo market.”

Takashi Takahashi, chief executive, MJP, added: “We are truly happy that the new partnership between EFW and MRO Japan has been established. It will be significant step towards mutual growth and prosperity for both parties.

“Our deepest gratitude goes to EFW for their cooperation and support. We are excited to work with the EFW team to initiate the first modification and move on to the next step.”

EFW’s A320P2F/A321P2F programmes are developed as a collaboration by ST Engineering, Airbus and EFW, with EFW holding the Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) and leading in the overall programme.

Last month, EFW received the validation of its V-STC for its A321P2F programme from Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC).

Left Jordi Boto, EFW CEO , right: Takashi Takahashi, CEO, MJP

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