Weekly Wrap: Here come the A321 freighters

Th e A321F has very much been the star of the past week , with the first aircraft converted to freighter configuration by 321 Precision Conversions taking flight , the first EFW frame leaving Singapore on delivery , and a new operator committing to the platform. In this Cargo Facts Connect episode, Senior Editor Charles Kauffman and Associate Editor Jeff Lee discuss these developments and look ahead to next week. A transcript is available below. This transcript has been generated by software and is being presented as is. Some transcription errors may remain. Charles Kauffman Hello everyone and welcome to Cargo Facts Connect, the podcast and video series of Cargo Facts, the newsletter of record for the air cargo industry, for over 40 years. I'm Charles Kauffman, Senior Editor of Cargo Facts, and I'm joined today by our associate editor Jeff Lee. This is the weekly wrap of what's happening in the world of freighters and conversions. It's Friday, October 16 2020. Before getting into our discussion, I wanted to briefly thank our Cargo Facts subscribers and our sponsors, which include AEI, ATSG, Innovative Solutions and Support C Cubed Aerospace, IAI Aviation Group, Precision Aircraft Solutions and U.S. Cargo Systems. Jeff, aircraft of all types and models are bought and sold, inducted for conversion and re-delivered as freighters all the time. You know, we typically see a variety of models and frames, and it's rare to have one platform dominate the news cycle during a particular period. But this this past week has really been one of those rare exceptions, hasn't it? Jeff Lee Yeah, I mean, recently, we had a, you know, we had a couple of weeks where it was mainly focused on the 767 and the 737-800. But this past week has really all been about the A321 freighter. So we had the first 321 Precision frame taking fight last weekend, the first EFW frame, finally leaving its nest in Singapore. And we have the identity of the new operator. So it's been an interesting week. You know, why don't you just talk us through the first flight of the 321 Precision's aircraft? Charles Kauffman Yeah, no problem. obviously, when when launching a new new program, it's a very invasive process that involves structural modifications and continuous engineering throughout the process. You know, so in some cases,, it takes one to two years you have an aircraft that is, you know, in the hangar under undergoing conversion. And so, once the the touch labor is finished, and the floor beams have been reinforced, cargo loading system is in place large cargo doors in place and everything's ready to go. actually getting that aircraft back up into the air is something of a milestone, you know, and it's, I think the closest thing that I've come to experiencing in recent months was when lockdowns or most severe I didn't drive my car for a few weeks and I went outside to discover that the battery had died and you can imagine an aircraft is far more complicated than a an automobile. And so, certainly, ensuring that parts and systems are are oiled and ready to go, is quite quite a feat. It indicates that systems are functional, and that there are many of the conformity packages that are being sent to the FAA. The regulator that ultimately issued three to one precision conversions is first STC that those are those are nearing completion and ready to be submitted. And so this aircraft, this conversion is really on the short path to certification. Jeff Lee Yeah. How soon can we expect final seal of approval the STC from from the FAA? Charles Kauffman That's a good question. I wish I could I could speak on behalf of the FAA. I certainly can't. You know, we have a number of historical parallels. As you mentioned, EFW has an A321 passenger to freighter conversion program of its own. If we look at that program, we saw that it took its first flight in January of this year, and then was awarded and he asked STC about a month later. Much will depend on the responsiveness of the FAA, of course, but with the The car voting system in place and the conversion more or less complete. It's certainly possible that we could see an FCC awarded by before the end of the year. You know, and that's that's exciting. It's a it's certainly a strong year for freighters. Deliveries will will follow soon after three deliveries I should say will follow soon after the STC is issued. Speaking of redeliveries, you mentioned that the A321 EFW has converted left it's nest in Singapore. Where are we at with that conformity aircraft? Jeff Lee Vallair, which is incidentally the the launch customer for both both programs. Actually, they transferred the title to the operator last week. But the aircraft didn't leave Singapore until a few days ago. And we now know that it has landed in Australia. And we know that contest expects to start flying this aircraft later this month, possibly Australia Post. And with EFW, their second frame is also nearing pre delivery. And that will be to BBAM who is then leasing it to Titan in the UK. And Titan told us that they're expecting it later this month. And they actually have a second one coming from BBAM by the near the end of the year, in December. So it's things are really starting to, you know, get moving on on many fronts. Charles Kauffman Yet to think that we're we're in a place where we could have in A321 freighter operating in revenue service by the end of the year that's that's right around the corner. So assuming 321 Precision Conversions does receive its STC in the near future deliveries aren't far behind. What do what are the delivery plans for the maiden A321-200 PCF Jeff Lee Work like, this is very interesting, we now know where the first Precision aircraft will be headed, and that's Smartlynx airlines a, a group of airlines headquartered in Latvia, that is focused on the ACMI/charter segment. Now, at least with fleet of A320 family aircraft, and we now know that they plan to convert at least two A321 freighters with their Malta division. Charles Kauffman Yeah, that is that is quite interesting, you know, obviously with many of the P2F programs that are multiple conversion houses or OEMs, developing STCs and the you know, the differences between those those those various STCs you know, vary from from program to program. Obviously, we'll learn more as as these aircraft enter service and we see some of the operational characteristics really start to prove themselves, but what do you see is the key differences between the two STCs? Jeff Lee One major differences of course, is that EFW opted to move the door further towards the front towards the cockpit to allow for 14 full-height pallets on the main day, whereas 321 Precision kept that door in place. And by doing so, they made space for a crew galley and a full size bathroom. The other thing is that they both they use have different cargo loading systems. So the EFW A321 freighter has an Ancra system, whereas the 321 Precisions has a Telair loading system, which allows for various different layouts. And Smarylynx told us that they're trying both versions, just to be able to have that flexibility and to let their customers choose according to their own requirements. So yeah, they we know that they will be operating on behalf of a major freight forwarder. And, you know, we have our guesses as to who that might be. But overall, I think once these A321 freighters start flying, we will see further interest in this platform from from both carriers and lessors. So we should be, you know, expecting more more announcements on that front, pretty soon. Charles Kauffman Certainly, you know, as these new freighter new new freighter programs, complete their conformity aircrafts receive their STCs and actually start re delivering aircraft. I agree that we'll see. See some new orders. Not to mention the current feedstock situation, given the number of of grounded narrowbodies. We see. So we look back at this week, it was really an A321, intensive week, Jeff, what's in store for next week. Jeff Lee We will obviously continue to, to follow operators that are considering or even you know, actually about to launch freighter operations. And we will be taking a closer look at the turboprop and regional free to fee for for a feature that would that we have planned for our next issue of cargo packs. Charles Kauffman Sounds like a busy week. And of course, you and I and the rest of the Cargo Facts team are getting ready for the virtual cargo facts symposium, which somehow is right around the corner. We'll be presenting it this year as a completely virtual event, October 27 through 28th. So if you're not already registered, you know, check it out. More information is available at www.cargofactssymposium.com Jeff Lee It should be an interesting discussion. And you know, despite the different dynamic this should be a fruitful event. Charles Kauffman Yeah, I'm definitely looking forward to it. And we have a great speaker lineup. And I look forward to catching up with many colleagues in the industry I haven't seen for months now. So that that does it for today. Thank you everyone for joining us. And for the latest updates or to check out the freighter aircraft transaction database, visit Cargofacts.com While Cargo Facts Symposium 2020 will be presented as a virtual event, the unparalleled networking and continuing education opportunities remain, with the best and brightest minds addressing the most pressing industry issues for air cargo — including those around COVID-19. To register and for more information, visit www.cargofactssymposium.com .

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