Elbe Flugzeugwerke GmbH (EFW) – centre for Airbus Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F) conversions and joint venture by ST Engineering and Airbus – has received validation of its supplement type certification (V-STC) for its A321 passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversion program by Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC).
This was achieved alongside the re-delivery of an A321P2F aircraft to EFW’s customer AerCap for leasing to Azul Cargo. This is the first ever A321P2F to be operated in South America, with Azul Cargo looking to grow its air cargo fleet by adding an additional A321P2F by the end of this year.
“With the validated STC for our A321P2F program obtained from the Brazilian aviation authority, we look forward to introducing this freighter conversion solution to the wider South American market,” said Jordi Boto, CEO of EFW.
Boto continued: “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.”
EFW’s A320P2F/A321P2F and A330P2F conversion programs are developed in collaboration with ST Engineering and Airbus, with EFW holding the supplemental type certificate and lead in the overall program.
Izabel Reis, director of Azul Cargo Express commented: “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 V-STC from the ANAC - EFW’s conversion programs 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.