Elbe Flugzeugwerke GmbH (EFW), the Centre of Excellence for Airbus Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F) conversions and a joint venture between ST Engineering and Airbus, has entered a number of new partnerships while making a significant operational milestone.
EFW has entered a new strategic partnership with HNA Aviation Group, with the collaboration including A330P2F conversions and the establishment of A330P2F capabilities at Grand China Aircraft Maintenance Services (GCAM), a subsidiary of HNA Aviation Group. The first conversion will commence in Shanghai in 2025, with subsequent conversions transitioning to GCAM’s Haikou facility once operational. This partnership is set to enhance EFW’s presence in China, complementing its three existing modification sites in the region.
Simultaneously, EFW is expanding into another Asian market through a partnership with MRO Japan (MJP), making MJP the country’s first conversion site for Airbus narrowbody P2F aircraft. MJP will undertake third-party conversion services for EFW’s A320P2F and A321P2F programs, with the first conversion set to commence in late 2025.
"We are excited to have MJP join our global network of P2F conversion sites," said Jordi Boto, CEO of EFW. “Collaborating with experienced and well backed aircraft solution providers like MJP supports our capacity for freighter conversions to capture opportunities in the growing Japanese air cargo market.”
Japan’s freighter and logistics market size is estimated by industry researchers to expand at a CAGR of 4.2% between 2024-2029, with air freight being the fastest growing market by mode of transport. Compared to road freight, air freight using P2F aircraft provides a more efficient and environmentally friendly way of transporting goods.
In addition to these recent partnerships, EFW recently marked the delivery of its 100th converted freighter, an A330P2F, from its facility in China. Since launching its A330P2F program in 2017, the company has expanded its operations, delivering 47 A321P2Fs, 4 A320P2Fs, and 49 A330P2Fs to its customer base. These freighters have collectively logged 100 million flight kilometres over the past year, with a significant majority of flights connecting Asia-Pacific and Europe, underscoring EFW’s pivotal role in meeting rising cargo demands in key markets.