Global A321F fleet approaches 30

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The number of A321 freighters redelivered by EFW and 321 Precision Conversions has more than tripled since Cargo Facts ’ last analysis of the type on Feb. 22, 2022, to a total of at least twenty-nine conversions as of July 28. EFW has led A321F redeliveries since it became the first to receive certification for its A321-200P2F conversion program in February 2020 from the EASA, while 321 Precision Conversions continues to gain momentum with conversion orders in the double digits and redeliveries expected to surpass ten by yearend. Cargo Facts has compiled an overview of the twenty-nine A321-200P2Fs and -200PCFs that EFW and Precision have redelivered. This includes two aircraft (974 and 1972) that have been redelivered but not yet registered with their operators, and excludes four that are stuck in legal limbo because they belong to a Russian lessor. An increasingly global footprint EFW redeliveries have driven the bulk of the growth, with twenty-three now completed and redelivered, compared to six by 321 Precision Conversions. But both companies have solid backlogs and Precision will likely pick up steam in the second half of 2023, particularly after it earns EASA approval for its A321-200PCF program. The A321F first gained traction in Europe, with Titan Airways, SmartLynx and Lufthansa among the earliest adopters of the Airbus narrowbody freighter. It continues to thrive in the region, with European carriers operating eighteen aircraft. As demand increases for both programs, the A321F is expanding its market share beyond Europe and has made its way to operators in Asia, the Middle East and North America and is even flying in Latin America. Since February 2022, the newest operators to add the A321-200F to their fleets include India-based IndiGo , Turkey-based MNG Airlines and BBN Airlines , and Malaysia-based AirAsia . For now, only two carriers operate both conversion types: SmartLynx Malta, with four of each, and Global Crossing, with one of each. Raya Airways will soon take its first A321-200PCF to join its first A321-200P2F. The number of A321F operators has grown from four in February 2022 to thirteen in July 2023, with seven in Europe, four in the Asia-Pacific region, and one each in North America and the Middle East. In the past year and a half, conversion capacity and redelivery rates have continued to ramp up for both EFW and Precision, with the PEMCO , VT San Antonio , HAECO Xiamen and HAECO Americas facilities each completing their first A321 freighter. These add to A321 conversion locations in Singapore (XSP), Guangzhou (CAN) and Sanford (SFB), while at least one or two more will complete their first units in the months ahead. 20-plus-year-old and CFM56s favored — for now Although the first A321-200P2F (835, ex-Onur Air) was powered by IAE V2500s, only eleven of the twenty-nine recently redelivered A321Fs are equipped with the engine type, while the remaining eighteen aircraft are powered by General Electric CFM56 engines. When compared with February 2022, there are now thirteen more aircraft powered by CFM56s and eight more with V2500s. The A321F market will eventually be evenly split between the two engine types, according to lessors and engine manufacturers. Most of the twenty-nine redelivered A321Fs to date are twenty years old or above, with 2000 being the most common vintage. The others include several 2007 and 2008 units, as well as a 2012-vintage aircraft that is the youngest A321F by far . That freighter is on lease from BBAM to Lufthansa and will soon be joined by a sister unit (5133). Given the strong passenger market, multiple lessors have told Cargo Facts of rising feedstock prices for younger and more desirable A321-200s. Substantial lessor involvement At least six lessors have taken redelivery of their first A321 freighters since February 2022: Cross Ocean Partners Castlelake ST Engineering Greenwich Highland Aero Capital Solutions Cargo Aircraft Management The world’s largest lessor, AerCap, made its entrance into the A321F market in October 2022, when it announced a deal with EFW to convert fifteen A321-200P2Fs with an option for fifteen more. AerCap joins BBAM in holding a double-digit orderbook with EFW for the type, while Spectre Air Capital has also placed what is likely a double-digit A321-200PCF conversion order with 321 Precision Conversions. More diversity ahead Looking forward, A321Fs will expand their presence even further and enter into service with new operators, especially in the Asia-Pacific sector, where the freighter’s volume is a valued commodity for the world’s largest e-commerce markets. Carriers known to be expecting to add A321 freighters include ASL Airlines, Sichuan Airlines and Spring Japan. Additional lines will help to address the growing backlog. By the end of the year, EFW and 321 Precision Conversions will each have added more conversion capacity in China by opening new lines at Sichuan Haite High-Tech in Tianjin (TSN) and Sichuan Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Co. in Chengdu (CTU), respectively. Meanwhile, two other A321 freighter conversions remain in development, with Sine Draco working on its A321-200SDF prototype in Tucson (TUS) and C Cubed awaiting certification of its A320-200CCF. Cargo Facts Symposium, taking place Oct. 25-27 at the Omni San Diego, is the essential event for stakeholders in the freighter and air cargo industry. Learn more and register today to take advantage of our early-bird sale. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Global A321F fleet approaches 30

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