EFW gets STC validation for A321P2F from Brazilian aviation authority

Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW), the centre of excellence for Airbus passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversions and joint venture by ST Engineering and Airbus, has received the validation of its supplement type certification (V-STC) for its Airbus A321 P2F conversion programme from Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC).

The major milestone was achieved alongside the re-delivery of an A321P2F aircraft to EFW’s customer AerCap for leasing to Azul Cargo, says an official release from EFW. "This aircraft is the first ever A321P2F to be operated in South America. Azul Cargo is going to grow its air cargo fleet by a further A321P2F by the end of this year."

With the V-STC from the ANAC, EFW’s conversion programmes are now validated by major aviation authorities from all continents, enabling it to offer aircraft conversions, registrations and operations across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Australia, the release added.

“With the validated STC for our A321P2F programme obtained from the Brazilian aviation authority, we look forward to introducing this freighter conversion solution to the wider South American market,” says Jordi Boto, CEO, EFW. ”The validated STC, together with our first-ever A321P2F to be operated in South America by Azul Cargo, mark a major milestone that augments the global presence of our Airbus converted freighters.”

Izabel Reis, Director, Azul Cargo Express adds: "The arrival of a new aircraft is always a reason for pride and celebration; it means that we are getting closer to offering the best opportunities and much more capacity to serve our current and new customers. These are modern aircraft, with more space, reliability, and the autonomy for international flights. With the two freighters, we will promote a logistical transformation in the country and we are ready to deliver even more agility to Brazilians."

The Airbus A321P2F is a breakthrough given that it is the first in its size category to offer containerised loading in both the main deck (up to 14 full container positions) and lower deck (up to 10 container positions), the release added. "EFW’s A321P2F solution, which comes with optimised weight distribution to enable random loading or even empty flights without additional ballast, as well as a payload-range capability of more than 28 tonnes, accords high flexibility for operators, in particular express carriers. Being the only OEM solution for the Airbus A321P2F conversion in the market, it also ensures that EFW’s programme has greater lifecycle value and superiority in quality, reliability and ease of maintenance."

Prior to ANAC’s V-STC, A321P2F aircraft in the Americas were registered in North America, flying cargo to U.S. destinations as well as several countries in Middle America. Over 10 percent of all EFW P2F aircraft in operation worldwide are registered in the Americas and have performed over 4,000 flights in the past 12 months, the release added.