The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) Air Worthiness Bureau has approved the passenger-to-freighter conversion of the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) ARJ21-700 regional airliner.
COMAC established the freighter conversion program for the ARJ21 in May 2020. The project went through a series of research processes such as preliminary design, detailed design, and modification implementation.
As per COMAC, the converted aircraft will have a maximum commercial load of 10 tons and be compatible with a range of cargo containers. A fully electric main cargo door will be installed during the conversion process, alongside an advanced warning system, independent control of the air-conditioning unit, and a pressure relief and fire suppression system.
“The ARJ21 Passenger to Cargo is committed to becoming the main model of the regional air cargo market, with a maximum commercial load of 10 tons, safe and reliable, flexible and convenient, high-volume utilization, good [cargo] container versatility,” COMAC said in a statement.
The YTO cargo operators Zhongyuan Longhao and Yuantong Aviation placed order for first two converted aircraft.