First A330-200 enters freighter conversion

EFW inducted the first A330-200 for conversion to freighter configuration.

The Chairman of EgyptAir Cargo (a pilot himself) flew it from Cairo to Dresden. And the plane actually carried revenue cargo on the flight – EFW tells Cargo Facts that with the cabin removed, the aircraft needed ballast, and, rather than use sandbags, EgyptAir loaded it with 7 tonnes of freight.

The aircraft (msn 600) was built in 2004 and delivered to EgyptAir, and has been in passenger service for the Egyptian carrier since then. EgyptAir is the launch customer for EFW’s A330-200 P-to-F program, with an order for two conversions.

The A330-200 will be the second A330 family member to be converted. EFW has almost completed structural work on the first A330-300 passenger-to-freighter conversion for launch customer DHL Express (msn 116) with first flight expected in November. A second A330-300 (127, also for DHL) is also in conversion at EFW’s Dresden facility.

Those interested in learning more about the current and future state of the freighter conversion market and related freighter conversion programs are invited to join us in Shanghai next week, 25-26 April for Cargo Facts Asia. Speakers from leading conversion houses including, Aeronautical Engineers, Inc., BEDEK Aviation Group, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, EFW, and Precision Aircraft Solutions, will join a panel discussion dedicated to the topic. For more information, or to register, visit www.cargofactsasia.com .