Airbus freighter conversions – Overview

P2F · Fri Apr 21, 2023 4:56 pm

MD80MKE wrote:
P2F wrote:
@iridescent Thanks.

A321-231 MSN 1293 9M-BZA (ex-Sky Angkor, XU-707) has been ferried XSP-SZP today after conversion. The operator is Raya Airways from Malaysia.

skyliner has it as MSN 3369. I think 1293 is more likely but do we have confirmation other than site like ps.net?

I think it's MSN 1293. The first flight after conversion was back in early March with reg D-AABC (see link). MSN 3369 had its first flight at the end of March. Planespotters could be wrong, but it's normally reliable with that stuff.

But 3369 will probably also go to Raya Airways.

https://flightaware.com/live/flight/DAA ... /WSSL/WSSL

P2F · Wed Apr 26, 2023 8:44 am

A321-231 MSN 974 N974M / TC-OEC (ex-Onur Air) is currently being ferried CAN-BOM-(CAI-MPL?) after conversion. The future operator is unknown.
A321-211 MSN 3930 OE-IHA (ex-Air France, F-GTAX) has been ferried CMN-CAI-BOM-XSP 17-20 April for conversion. The future operator is unknown.

Flying-Tiger · Fri Apr 28, 2023 2:41 pm

Couple of reports have come out that Air China has sold 8 A330-200 towards Air China Cargo for delivery till 2025. Guess this means we can put Air China Cargo firmly in the "to-be-A330P2F-operator" column.

P2F · Fri Apr 28, 2023 10:44 pm

Flying-Tiger wrote:
Couple of reports have come out that Air China has sold 8 A330-200 towards Air China Cargo for delivery till 2025. Guess this means we can put Air China Cargo firmly in the "to-be-A330P2F-operator" column.

Merci!
A link with the possible MSNs: 750, 756, 759, 839, 860, 867, 873 and 884

https://airwaysmag.com/air-china-sells- ... argo-unit/

P2F · Sun Apr 30, 2023 10:22 pm

A321-231 MSN 4173 F-WTAX (ex-Qatar Airways, A7-AIA) is currently being ferried LFBF-TLS-CAI-BOM-XSP 29 April - 01 May for conversion. The future operator is Spring Airlines Japan for Yamato Transport with reg JA81YA.

P2F · Thu May 04, 2023 9:54 am

A330-343 MSN 1865 F-WXAC (ex-Hong Kong Airlines (ntu), B-LHG) is currently being ferried LDE-BFM for conversion. The future operator is Hawaiian Airlines for Amazon.
I also added a new column with lessors for A320/A321 and A330.

ILNFlyer · Thu May 04, 2023 4:11 pm

In anyones estimation, is the softening of the global frieght market having any negative impact on the pace of conversions?

P2F · Tue May 09, 2023 7:14 am

A321-231 MSN 1636 N636WT (ex-Air Busan, HL7711) has been ferried GYR-HNL-MAJ-GUM-XMN 7 May - 9 May for conversion. The future operator is unknown.

scbriml · Tue May 09, 2023 7:52 am

ILNFlyer wrote:
In anyones estimation, is the softening of the global frieght market having any negative impact on the pace of conversions?

Not an expert, but I would expect any softening to impact expensive new-builds first, followed later by a slowing of conversions.

P2F · Wed May 10, 2023 8:47 pm

A321-211 MSN 5126 D-AEUI has completed its first flight after conversion at XSP today.

https://www.flightradar24.com/data/airc ... i#303a3b8e

iridescent · Fri May 12, 2023 1:25 am

P2F wrote:
A321-211 MSN 5126 D-AEUI has completed its first flight after conversion at XSP today.

https://www.flightradar24.com/data/airc ... i#303a3b8e

Thanks P2F. Another A321 that is a typo in row 42 of your spreadsheet: A321-231 B-HTG MSN1695 stored HKG 13 Mar 2020 - 10 May 2023 and ferried HKG-CAN 10 May 2023 on return to lessor. Has never been in storage at XSP. https://www.planespotters.net/airframe/airbus-a321-200-b-htg-cathay-pacific/egj4de

D-AAER should be MSN 3669 ferried HKG-XSP 22 December 2022 awaiting P2F conversion: https://www.planespotters.net/airframe/airbus-a321-200-d-aaer-st-aerospace-resources/r6v9kk

Note: A321-231 MSN 3369 and MSN 3669 are numerically similar and are both ex Qatar/Cathay Dragon/Cathay Pacific and both are stored XSP awaiting P2F conversion!

JogiXFW · Fri May 12, 2023 6:09 am

F-WXAA MSN 1902 CRK ntu seen in PVG after conversion. Still in CRK cs.

P2F · Fri May 12, 2023 1:07 pm

iridescent wrote:

Thanks P2F. Another A321 that is a typo in row 42 of your spreadsheet: A321-231 B-HTG MSN1695 stored HKG 13 Mar 2020 - 10 May 2023 and ferried HKG-CAN 10 May 2023 on return to lessor. Has never been in storage at XSP. https://www.planespotters.net/airframe/airbus-a321-200-b-htg-cathay-pacific/egj4de

D-AAER should be MSN 3669 ferried HKG-XSP 22 December 2022 awaiting P2F conversion: https://www.planespotters.net/airframe/airbus-a321-200-d-aaer-st-aerospace-resources/r6v9kk

Note: A321-231 MSN 3369 and MSN 3669 are numerically similar and are both ex Qatar/Cathay Dragon/Cathay Pacific and both are stored XSP awaiting P2F conversion!

You're completely right. No idea how i messed that up so badly. Fixed it. Thanks.

MD80MKE · Fri May 12, 2023 2:15 pm

P2F wrote:
iridescent wrote:

Thanks P2F. Another A321 that is a typo in row 42 of your spreadsheet: A321-231 B-HTG MSN1695 stored HKG 13 Mar 2020 - 10 May 2023 and ferried HKG-CAN 10 May 2023 on return to lessor. Has never been in storage at XSP. https://www.planespotters.net/airframe/airbus-a321-200-b-htg-cathay-pacific/egj4de

D-AAER should be MSN 3669 ferried HKG-XSP 22 December 2022 awaiting P2F conversion: https://www.planespotters.net/airframe/airbus-a321-200-d-aaer-st-aerospace-resources/r6v9kk

Note: A321-231 MSN 3369 and MSN 3669 are numerically similar and are both ex Qatar/Cathay Dragon/Cathay Pacific and both are stored XSP awaiting P2F conversion!

You're completely right. No idea how i messed that up so badly. Fixed it. Thanks.

Can't blame it on you. All sites got it wrong on D-AAER including ps.net and skyliner.

amdiesen · Sat May 13, 2023 5:03 am

ILNFlyer wrote:
In anyones estimation, is the softening of the global frieght market having any negative impact on the pace of conversions?

It's an interesting question. The below a332 data point suggests the dichotomy of supply and demand. For your consideration, is there a confluence of determinate factors at play? Here is a lens to supplement your critical thinking:
hypothesis and why
1a) The 744cf's are at risk of economic retirement. 1b) historically the 744s have a hurdle rate at heavy maintenance when either demand for service is below average or fuel prices are above average. Freighters in their teens were being parked ~10 years ago.
2a) Logically, the new build production gap would be expected to be wider. 767f--> 787f; delays of the VLAFs less impactful. 2b) The interest rate environment has materially changed in a ~short period of time. Easiest way to absorb demand for service contraction.
3a) Sunset produced 763f's are likely (time) comparatively unconstrained. 3b) FX penciled aspirations crafted ~10+ years ago are malleable between mid 2025-2027.
4a) Conversions are a way to 'punt' 4b) In a predictable environment, purchasing long-term assets is conducive to new builds. In contrast, conversions become optimal with uncertainty and risk (especially if one limits staff and support disruptions 773ersf-->778f, a321ceo-->a321neo).

Again, this is simply a lens into a bigger universe of factors. It would be interesting to hear addition perspectives.

-------------
"Air China to "sell" 8 A330-200s to its cargo airline, I guess for P2F conversion ?

Quote Flight Global - "Air China is to sell eight Airbus A330-200s to its cargo unit Air China Cargo in a deal worth
up to $114 million, as part of fleet optimisation efforts and to “improve the economic benefits” of aircraft disposal""

quoting:
Stealthmanbob@a380.boards.net
Full Article - http://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/ai ... 30.article

JerseyFlyer · Tue May 16, 2023 2:45 pm

Now A340s are to be converted to freighters:

"German start-up USC looks to operate A340s including converted freighters"

"USC has opted for the Avensis full-size main-deck cargo door, becoming the launch customer for the conversion...Avensis says the modification – which it designates Navis PTF – comprises an “industry first plug-type” door, plus a Class E cargo compartment, cargo-loading system, and a rigid 9g barrier...The product also includes a separate crew cabin"

https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/g ... 08.article

CargoMerijn · Tue May 16, 2023 7:36 pm

amdiesen wrote:
ILNFlyer wrote:
In anyones estimation, is the softening of the global frieght market having any negative impact on the pace of conversions?

It's an interesting question. The below a332 data point suggests the dichotomy of supply and demand. For your consideration, is there a confluence of determinate factors at play? Here is a lens to supplement your critical thinking:
hypothesis and why
1a) The 744cf's are at risk of economic retirement. 1b) historically the 744s have a hurdle rate at heavy maintenance when either demand for service is below average or fuel prices are above average. Freighters in their teens were being parked ~10 years ago.
2a) Logically, the new build production gap would be expected to be wider. 767f--> 787f; delays of the VLAFs less impactful. 2b) The interest rate environment has materially changed in a ~short period of time. Easiest way to absorb demand for service contraction.
3a) Sunset produced 763f's are likely (time) comparatively unconstrained. 3b) FX penciled aspirations crafted ~10+ years ago are malleable between mid 2025-2027.
4a) Conversions are a way to 'punt' 4b) In a predictable environment, purchasing long-term assets is conducive to new builds. In contrast, conversions become optimal with uncertainty and risk (especially if one limits staff and support disruptions 773ersf-->778f, a321ceo-->a321neo).

Again, this is simply a lens into a bigger universe of factors. It would be interesting to hear addition perspectives.

-------------
"Air China to "sell" 8 A330-200s to its cargo airline, I guess for P2F conversion ?

Quote Flight Global - "Air China is to sell eight Airbus A330-200s to its cargo unit Air China Cargo in a deal worth
up to $114 million, as part of fleet optimisation efforts and to “improve the economic benefits” of aircraft disposal""

quoting:
Stealthmanbob@a380.boards.net
Full Article - http://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/ai ... 30.article

First post here so allow a bit of slack:

Some observations:
Cargojet already pulls back on conversions which they have not clients for so yes, softening market dampens conversions. It looks that DHL has even taken over the 4 Mammoth conversions from Cargojet but that might be more due to financial position Cargojet and my next observation:

New wide body freighters are only bought by the big express players and main airlines for the core growth on which they can build. If not available for a while they will (have to) bridge with conversions. Either bought or leased in. This has nothing to do with the freight market itself. For this it is also guessing if the B767F and B777F are granted extensions. I guess that if exempted by FAA then they still will not be allowed to fly in Europe. So probably not a valid investment? This will lift wide body conversions.

During COVID and the Suez blockage we have seen a move away from sea freight to air freight. This will move back. Sea Container rates are already going down. And I see a movement that more stock is taken at the moment. (Better order a full container of heatpumps now, so I have stock when the next supply chain crisis comes) For the price of the airfreight you can buy two and ship them by boat. Of course depending on the product but you will understand.

In the past I have been on the side line of drilling rig building and conversions into hotel platforms. Rig building was a true Pork cycle. Amazing that they could not control themselves. Rigs were available for scrap prices for conversions. What I see the aircraft builders are much more capacity constrained. But feedstock for freighters has never been a real problem I think? Let wait and see if flying is affordable in the future so there will be market growth in the future.

ILNFlyer · Thu May 18, 2023 2:30 pm

JerseyFlyer wrote:
Now A340s are to be converted to freighters:

"German start-up USC looks to operate A340s including converted freighters"

"USC has opted for the Avensis full-size main-deck cargo door, becoming the launch customer for the conversion...Avensis says the modification – which it designates Navis PTF – comprises an “industry first plug-type” door, plus a Class E cargo compartment, cargo-loading system, and a rigid 9g barrier...The product also includes a separate crew cabin"

https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/g ... 08.article

Seems to me that the 340 was pulled from pax service due to the mx cost on 4 engines and higher overall operating costs. With so many less expensive to operate 767 and 330 frieghters around, seems this would be a less desirable frame to operate.

CargoMerijn · Fri May 19, 2023 3:00 pm

UCS currently has only 1 A340-300 with an A340-600 due. They do not have contracts in place for pax wetlease this summer so they could be out of business in autumn.
At first only the Avenida Medius conversion will be done which is reversible back into passenger mode. Avensis already has 2 of those type conversions on A330 for Maleth/AELF.
That conversion gives a similar express p/freighter as the conversion done by European Cargo on a few of their A340-600s.
Unlikely that UCS will be the company to offer one of their 2 aircraft for a long lasting prototype conversion. And Avensis will want to have more aircraft conversions on order to spread the development costs.
However these development costs can be partially spread over A330 and A340 conversions as the fuselage diameter is the same. Test flying and STC costs will be double.

WayexTDI · Fri May 19, 2023 10:17 pm

CargoMerijn wrote:
UCS currently has only 1 A340-300 with an A340-600 due. They do not have contracts in place for pax wetlease this summer so they could be out of business in autumn.
At first only the Avenida Medius conversion will be done which is reversible back into passenger mode. Avensis already has 2 of those type conversions on A330 for Maleth/AELF.
That conversion gives a similar express p/freighter as the conversion done by European Cargo on a few of their A340-600s.
Unlikely that UCS will be the company to offer one of their 2 aircraft for a long lasting prototype conversion. And Avensis will want to have more aircraft conversions on order to spread the development costs.
However these development costs can be partially spread over A330 and A340 conversions as the fuselage diameter is the same. Test flying and STC costs will be double.

There are most likely a lot of data (especially on the structural load aspect) that can be reused on the A340-200 and -300 from, respectively, the A330-200 & -300 P2Fs. Test flying will have to be done, but maybe some data from the A330P2F programs can be reused.
Not a straight carryover, but most likely not double the cost (not everything has to be redone).

P2F · Sun May 21, 2023 3:29 pm

A321-211 MSN 5126 D-AEUI (ex-Eurowings) is currently being ferried XSP-BKK-MCT-LCA-(MUC?) after conversion. The future operator is Lufthansa Cargo.

P2F · Thu May 25, 2023 7:36 am

IndiGo orders another A321P2F, this time from AerCap (MSN 3930):

https://cargofacts.com/allposts/carrier ... p2f-fleet/

P2F · Fri May 26, 2023 9:01 pm

Missed one frame: A321-211 MSN 1972 N982CM (ex-Thomas Cook, G-TCDV) has been ferried on 15th May TPA-LAL after conversion. The future operator is ASL Aviation.
Plus another that has been completed (I guess?): A321-231 MSN 3274 N984CM (ex-Hi Fly Malta, 9H-LIS) has been ferried TPA-SFB after conversion (?). The future operator is unknown. Both are CAM/ATSG frames.

P2F · Thu Jun 01, 2023 7:59 pm

A330-343 MSN 1338 VP-CSB and MSN 1408 VP-BMA (both ex-Thai) have been ferried CHR-DRS / LDE-DRS for conversion today.

P2F · Sat Jun 03, 2023 8:16 pm

A321-231 MSN 1438 N1438 / N411GX (ex-AtlasGlobal) has been ferried LCQ-MIA on 1st June after conversion. The future operator is GlobalX. This is the first A321 completed at LCQ.

P2F · Wed Jun 07, 2023 1:53 pm

A330-343 MSN 1357 M-JWCF (ex-Avianca, N803AV) is currently being ferried DRS-CHR after conversion. The future operator is Air Hong Kong for DHL.

Flying-Tiger · Wed Jun 07, 2023 2:28 pm

The first A321 P2F for JAL (MSN 4173) has arrived in Singapore: https://airwaysmag.com/airbus-a321p2f-f ... -airlines/

P2F · Thu Jun 08, 2023 9:05 am

Flying-Tiger wrote:
The first A321 P2F for JAL (MSN 4173) has arrived in Singapore: https://airwaysmag.com/airbus-a321p2f-f ... -airlines/

Yep, a month ago

.

Avianca orders two more A330P2F from CDB Aviation, this time the -200.

https://cargofacts.com/allposts/carrier ... s-by-2025/

Clydenairways · Thu Jun 08, 2023 12:42 pm

Any update on the 2 former Aer Lingus A321's that were sent for conversion a good while ago?

P2F · Thu Jun 08, 2023 4:09 pm

Clydenairways wrote:
Any update on the 2 former Aer Lingus A321's that were sent for conversion a good while ago?

YL-LDO is nearly completed:

https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/10957226

So VP-CBS should be done in 1-2 months if I had to guess. VP-CBL maybe 4-5 months. No idea about VP-CBO tho. The ones at XSP usually take longer.

CargoMerijn · Sat Jun 10, 2023 8:31 am

Any update on the Sine Draco and Ccubed conversions? Going by both companies last media outings there should be movement /progress around now?

P2F · Sat Jun 10, 2023 5:44 pm

CargoMerijn wrote:
Any update on the Sine Draco and Ccubed conversions? Going by both companies last media outings there should be movement /progress around now?

C Cubed said in March that they're close to completion and expected the first flight in summer this year.
https://cargofacts.com/allposts/convers ... is-summer/

Sine Draco seems kind of dead... their website says the anticipated completion is Q1 2023 and the FAA STC approval by Q2 2023. Q2 is still running but I can't find any newer information than May 2022.

CargoMerijn · Sat Jun 10, 2023 9:25 pm

Thanks, that’s the same info I have on them.
No local spotters on the ground?

P2F · Sat Jun 17, 2023 11:48 am

A321-211 MSN 2005 VP-CTN (ex-Red Wings) has been ferried XSP-MAA-DWC-ISL on 16-17th June after conversion. The future operator is unknown.

Also, MAS Air Cargo has ordered two A330P2F from AFS. One of them is MSN 1712 (ex-Cebu Pacific).
https://cargofacts.com/allposts/carrier ... -a330p2fs/

CargoMerijn · Wed Jun 21, 2023 3:03 am

MSN 2005 to BBN Airlines (Turkish) since 17/6/2023 on lease from BBAM.

https://cargofacts.com/allposts/carrier ... -operator/

SXDFC · Wed Jun 21, 2023 6:11 am

Any word on the new build A321neo freighter that Airbus talked about awhile back?

P2F · Sun Jun 25, 2023 10:44 am

CargoMerijn wrote:
MSN 2005 to BBN Airlines (Turkish) since 17/6/2023 on lease from BBAM.

https://cargofacts.com/allposts/carrier ... -operator/

Thanks.

A321-231 MSN 2290 N229XS (ex-Air Busan, HL7735) has been ferried HIN-XMN on 24th June for conversion. The future operator is SmartLynx Malta with reg 9H-CGR.

P2F · Sun Jun 25, 2023 9:12 pm

Clydenairways wrote:
Any update on the 2 former Aer Lingus A321's that were sent for conversion a good while ago?

Picture of MSN 1023 (?) in Teleport livery:
https://www.planespotters.net/photo/144 ... 321-211p2f

The question for me is, is it really MSN 1023? As it's been undergoing conversion only since 14th April. IMO MSN 926 is more likely (conversion going since 3rd February).

P2F · Fri Jun 30, 2023 10:38 am

A321-231 MSN 3926 G-MEDU (ex-British Airways) has been ferried MAD-LCA-DOH-HYD-XSP on 28-30th June for conversion.

P2F · Fri Jun 30, 2023 7:41 pm

And the next one: A321-231 MSN 3369 TC-MYA (ex-Cathay Dragon, B-HTJ, D-AABA) is currently being ferried XSP-DEL-ERZ(-IST?) after conversion. The future operator is MNG Airlines.

Also: A330-343 MSN 1510 (ex-Philippine Airlines, RP-C8760) will start conversion later in late summer with EFW.
https://cargofacts.com/allposts/aircraf ... onversion/

Articuno · Sat Jul 01, 2023 3:42 am

Amazon’s first A330-343(P2F) has been spotted with final livery at PVG. Ferried PVG -ICN, registered as N4621K. MSN1902, HX ntu, ex F-WXAA

Articuno · Sat Jul 01, 2023 4:00 am

EFW has reached a milestone - the 50th Airbus P2F aircraft, including A330, A320, and A321.
A330-343(P2F)(M-JWCF, MSN 1357)has been in CHR for painting since June 7th after being converted at DRS. Will be operated by Air Hong Kong for DHL.

P2F · Sat Jul 01, 2023 11:30 am

A330-343 MSN 1902 N4621K (ex-Hong Kong Airlines (ntu), B-LHI) is currently being ferried PVG-ICN-HNL after conversion. The future operator is Hawaiian Airlines for Amazon.
Already painted:
https://www.planespotters.net/photo/144 ... 330-343p2f

P2F · Fri Jul 07, 2023 5:57 pm

A330-243 MSN 785 9H-AJI (ex-Air China, B-6075) has been ferried LDE-DRS today for conversion.

P2F · Mon Jul 10, 2023 2:31 pm

A321-211 MSN 1887 N983CM (ex-Thomas Cook Airlines) has been ferried SFB-LAL on 7th July after conversion.

P2F · Thu Jul 13, 2023 3:23 pm

A320-232 MSN 2288 D-AATA (ex-Lauda Europe, 9H-LAJ) has been ferried BUD-LCA-MCT-DMK-CAN on 11-13th July for conversion.

scbriml · Thu Jul 13, 2023 4:09 pm

P2F wrote:
Clydenairways wrote:
Any update on the 2 former Aer Lingus A321's that were sent for conversion a good while ago?

Picture of MSN 1023 (?) in Teleport livery:
https://www.planespotters.net/photo/144 ... 321-211p2f

The question for me is, is it really MSN 1023? As it's been undergoing conversion only since 14th April. IMO MSN 926 is more likely (conversion going since 3rd February).

Multiple sources including ATDB have confirmed that 9M-TLP is indeed msn 926.

Articuno · Sat Jul 15, 2023 3:49 pm

Articuno wrote:
EFW has reached a milestone - the 50th Airbus P2F aircraft, including A330, A320, and A321.
A330-343(P2F)(M-JWCF, MSN 1357)has been in CHR for painting since June 7th after being converted at DRS. Will be operated by Air Hong Kong for DHL.

Currently being ferried CHR-BAH-HKG on delivery. This is the 27th A330P2F re-delivery.

P2F · Sat Jul 15, 2023 7:57 pm

A321-211 MSN 2060 G-POWW completed its first flight after conversion at XSP on 14th July.

https://www.flightradar24.com/data/airc ... w#31214a4a

SteelChair · Sat Jul 15, 2023 8:51 pm

From looking at your data P2F, its interesting to me that the majority of 330's which have been repurposed to cargo are RR powered, and not a single GE powered airplane has been converted. Its also interesting that the 321 is split almost 50/50, when (I believe) that CFM won the lion's share of the market.

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