EFW inducts 777 into Dresden facility for DHL freighter conversion
On Tuesday evening, 777 arrived at EFW’s Dresden facility where it was inducted for conversion to freighter configuration. Not a “777” airframe, but rather an A330-300 with MSN 777 (ex-China Eastern Airlines) [FAT 005033].
Following conversion, the aircraft will be the fourth A330 to be converted and enter service on behalf of DHL Express, operated by ASL Airlines Ireland. The express carrier’s first two conversions (127 and 116) have already been redelivered, while a third aircraft (231, ex-Thai Airways) is finishing up conversion in Dresden. A redelivery date has not yet been confirmed, but Cargo Facts would not be surprised to see the aircraft operating ahead of this year’s peak season.
See also: MNG and ULS keen to add A330P2Fs
Once 777 is converted and redelivered, DHL’s A330-300 passenger-to-freighter conversion backlog with EFW, the 55/45 joint venture between ST Engineering Aerospace and Airbus, will stand at four firm with options for ten more. While 777 will fulfill DHL’s launch order for four conversions, the company upped its commitment to the program at the 2017 Paris Air Show with an order for four more, and options for ten A330P2Fs.
In addition to the A330-300, EFW’s A330P2F program also includes the smaller A330-200P2F. So far, the only customer for that program is EgyptAir Cargo, which has its third A330-200 in conversion right now, and will likely add more.
