Elbe Flugzeugwerke GmbH (EFW), 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 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 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 end of this year.
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.
Jordi Boto, CEO of EFW says: “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.
“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 of Azul Cargo Express said: “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”.
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. The A330P2F,
EFW’s widebody freighters, operated by airlines registered in the Americas, serve primarily domestic routes in the U.S. and Mexico, followed by routes connecting North America with South America and Asia.