EFW boosts P2F market position with key symposiums
One symposium took place in Chengdu, China, while the other was held in Dresden, Germany. An EFW spokesperson told The STAT Trade Times that the company currently has a backlog of approximately 100 aircraft.
EFW's first P2F customer service symposium in Dresden/ Image: EFW
Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW) has further cemented its status as a major player in the cargo conversion market with the successful execution of two key Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F) symposiums, one in Chengdu, China, and another in Dresden, Germany.
In a statement to The STAT Trade Times, an EFW spokesperson said that as of mid-March 2025, it has redelivered 5 A320P2F, 50 A321P2F, and 54 A330P2F aircraft. This totals 109 of EFW's new-generation converted Airbus aircraft.
The spokesperson also stated that the company currently has a backlog of approximately 100 aircraft.
Combining both the current (A320P2Fs, A321P2FS, A330P2Fs) and previous (A300Fs and A310Fs) generations of conversions, EFW has produced and delivered over 300 converted freighter aircraft in total, the spokesperson said.
When asked about the next milestone for the three conversion programmes, the spokesperson stated that there is strong demand for converted freighters in key markets, particularly in Asia. "Our goal is to support this demand with our advanced and efficient cargo freighters. Accordingly, together with Airbus, we are introducing our products and engaging in discussions with several industry players," the spokesperson added.
Second passenger-to-freighter China symposium in Chengdu
EFW, in collaboration with Airbus, hosted its second P2F China Symposium in Chengdu two weeks ago, attracting key industry stakeholders, including Aercap, BBAM, CDB, CALC, Temu, HNA, Jiangxi International Cargo, Qingdao Airlines, SF Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, SAIC, and Air China Cargo.
Executives from EFW and Airbus China provided insights on the latest developments in the freighter market and updates on EFW’s P2F products and services.
A major highlight was the guided tour at AMECO’s hangar, where the audience witnessed the A330P2F conversion process. Air China Cargo, which currently operates four converted A330P2F aircraft and plans to expand its fleet to eight, shared positive operational feedback.
“The planes successfully completed their test flights after P2F. The performance parameters of the aircraft have been consistently praised by the test flight crew,” says Li Gang, Executive, Air China Cargo. “In the subsequent operation, there were no operational difficulties. The operational parameters of the fleet have met expectations.”
First P2F customer service symposium in Dresden
EFW also hosted its first P2F Customer Service Symposium in Dresden, in partnership with Airbus and ST Engineering. The event saw participation from around 100 cargo operators and airlines worldwide, including DHL, Titan Airways, Hawaiian Airlines, Amazon Global Air, Lufthansa CityLine, and Qantas Airways.
The symposium focused on the latest P2F product developments, operational feedback, and customer service improvements. Operators highlighted the value of direct engagement with EFW and OEMs to address operational challenges and drive future product enhancements.
“For a product to succeed, user and customer input and feedback is essential. It is great to see EFW invite the P2F airlines to do exactly this in a very open and transparent way together with Airbus,” says Stefan Kontorravdis, Vice President Engineering, DHL.
“With the symposium EFW has successfully fulfilled the objective to celebrate achievements and identify opportunities for growth. The aviation professionals underscored the significance of this gathering to exchange feedback and to discuss how we can collaborate to drive future success. The warmth and hospitality extended by our hosts at EFW was exceptional, and I look forward to next year's conference with great anticipation,” says Mike Wilson, Sr. Principal Technical & Operations Engineer, Amazon Global Air.
EFW, a joint venture between Airbus and ST Engineering, is focused on passenger-to-freighter aircraft conversions, as well as the maintenance and repair of Airbus aircraft. ST Engineering holds a 55% stake, while Airbus holds 45%.
