A new operational life for “mature” A330s as converted freighters

Increasing Useful Life of older A330

Airbus will expand its freighter family portfolio with the A330P2F conversion, modifying A330s that have completed their useful operational service as passenger jetliners for new careers as cargo aircraft.

This conversion program, unveiled during the Singapore Airshow, brings together the resources of Airbus, its EADS EFW sister company within the EADS group, and ST Aerospace of Singapore.

Both A330-200 and A330-300 versions of Airbus’ twin-engine jetliner will be eligible for the P2F (passenger-to-freighter) conversion, meeting the expected demand for modern, efficient and highly capable mid-sized cargo aircraft.  They are to complement Airbus’ A330-200F freighters, which are new-production jetliners that also respond to the requirements of this cargo market segment.

“Both the A330-200F and A330P2F will play a key role in this market segment, as the A330 has established itself as the most popular platform in the mid-sized wide-body category,” explained Andreas Hermann, Vice President - Freighters at Airbus.  “The A330P2F addresses a different price-point and end-users, based on different operational requirements.”

He said the market already has proven it can support both new-production freighters and converted freighter products using the same aircraft platform as the basis – if the platform is right.  “We believe the A330 is one such platform, and we expect it will enjoy strong demand in both products.”

The A330 first entered service in 1994.  Nearly 1,200 aircraft have been ordered, with almost 850 delivered to date.

Airbus Media