Page 17 - The STAT Trade Times August 2024 for Website

Source: EFW
However, none of the B777 P2F conver- Brazil's postal company, to focus on air a passenger aircraft to a freighter costs
sion programmes have received STC ap- cargo transport. approximately $25 million, whereas
proval from the Federal Aviation Adminis- Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras, which purchasing a new freighter ranges from
tration (FAA) yet. served as the 'guinea pig' for the Em- $150 to $200 million, making conversion a
Airbus also heavily invests in its freighter braer 195E1 P2F conversion and helped significantly cheaper alternative.”
conversion programme, focusing on the with the initial testing of the conversion Zak added that converted freighters
A330-300P2F and A320P2F. According to programme, plans to convert three more. also provide a faster return on investment
Airbus, the A330-300P2F is well-suited for On the other hand, Nordic Aviation Capital (ROI). The freighter conversion process is
integrators and express carriers due to (NAC), the launch lessor for Embraer's E-Jet quicker and less expensive than building
its high volumetric payload capability for P2F conversions, announced in May 2022 new aircraft, allowing operators to start
lower-density cargo. that they will convert up to 10 Embraer generating revenue sooner. Converting
Another important company in the E190/E195 aircraft. According to Embraer, older but serviceable aircraft also contrib-
aircraft conversion industry is EFW, which converted E-Jets will offer over 50% more utes to sustainability by giving them a sec-
specialises in converting Airbus widebody volume capacity, three times the range ond life and reducing waste. This makes
freighters, particularly the A330P2F. They of large cargo turboprops, and up to converted freighters a highly attractive
also convert the A321 and A320 passen- 30% lower operating costs compared to option for expanding cargo operations.
ger aircraft to freighters, claiming lower narrowbodies. The maximum structural
fuel burn and efficient operations. These payload for the E190F is 13,500 kg, and for The Future of Conversions
conversions offer main deck cargo access the E195F, it is 14,300 kg. Passenger-to-freighter conversions are
and various courier area layouts. crucial for the air cargo industry to meet
Another recent development in the Why should an airline consider the increasing demand. As the industry
sector is that US Cargo Systems and P2F-converted aircraft? evolves, these conditions will be more
Embraer have completed the FAA instal- Though requiring significant investment critical in serving e-commerce and express
lation conformity for the E190F, a crucial and expertise, the process offers a cost- cargo operators. With proper investment
step in the E-Freighter programme. This effective way to increase air cargo capacity. and expertise, these conversions can
confirms that the new components on According to the Challenge Group’s Zak, offer a cost-effective and efficient way to
the aircraft meet certification require- converting freighters provides several ad- expand air cargo capacity, addressing the
ments and are correctly installed for safe vantages over newly manufactured freight- needs of a rapidly growing market. As the
cargo operation. Embraer is converting ers, particularly in terms of cost efficiency. demand for air cargo capacity continues to
its E-Jet passenger planes into cargo Converting existing passenger aircraft into rise, it's evident that passenger-to-freighter
freighters, including the E190 and E195. freighters is generally more affordable than conversions are here to stay. With the in-
The E190F recently completed its maiden purchasing brand-new freighter aircraft, dustry's benefits of cost savings, flexibility,
flight in São José dos Campos, Brazil. Ad- allowing operators to expand their cargo and sustainability, converted freighters are
ditionally, Embraer has signed a memo- capacity faster with less capital outlay. an appealing solution for airlines and cargo
randum of understanding with Correios, Rodrigues pointed out, “Converting operators aiming to remain competitive. 

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