321 Precision Conversions closes in on A321PCF certification

A second A 321-200F program is preparing its first redelivery. 321 Precision Conversion s, a joint venture of ATSG and Precision Aircraft Solutions, has completed the F ederal A viation A dministration (FAA) flight testing program for the first freighter-converted A321-200PCF (891, ex- Air Mediterranee ) . With the program now in its “final administrative phase,” a s upplemental t ype c ertificate (STC) from the FAA is expected during the first half of this year. 321 Precision Conversions told Cargo Facts it has already started working with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency ( EASA ) and expects Europe’s equivalent to the FAA to validate the STC shortly after the program is certified in the United States. [caption id="attachment_415131" align="alignright" width="550"] 321 Precision Conversions is now in the final administrative phase of the certification of its A321-200PCF. (Photo/321 Precision Conversions)[/caption] 321 Precision’s launch customer Vallair has leased the aircraft to SmartLynx Malta , which in turn has an ACMI deal with DHL to operate at least two A321Fs on behalf of the integrator. Vallair was also the launch customer for EFW’s A321-200P2F program and is expected to lease to SmartLynx A321-200 freighters converted by both 321 Precision Conversions and EFW. SmartLynx expects to add a total of four freighter-converted A321Fs in 2021, and up to four more next year, making it possible for DHL to test both STCs. “ DHL has indicated they do plan to compare the airplanes ,” said Mike Berger, CCO of ATSG, during an earnings call last month. EFW redelivered the first A321-200P2F to Vallair last year, and the aircraft is now operating in the Qantas Freight fleet. EFW redelivered a second A321-200P2F to Titan Airways in January, on-lease from BBAM . T he third A321-200P2F ( 1250 , ex-T homas Cook Airlines) , also for BBAM and expected to go on lease to Titan, has completed conversion in Singapore ( XSP ) . Returning to the A321-200PCF, AT SG had been targeting FAA certification in March, but that issuance will likely happen in Q2. Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) flights have been completed, Brian McCarthy, VP of sales and marketing at 321 Precision Conversions , told Cargo Facts. “ W e're done flying this airplane for the FAA and we're basically completing the administrative process, which includes the review ing, critiquing and editing of manuals,” he said. “W e've done our level best at finding our way home through some very difficult months with the effects of COVID , ” said McCarthy, noting that supply chains , workforces and regulatory authorities have all been affected by COVID. “ We are now done flying a nd are looking forward to the final FAA comments and notes to proceed with the issuance of the STC ,” he said. Cargo Facts Asia, taking place April 20-21 as a virtual experience, is the event for exploring opportunity in the Asia-Pacific region. The event continues to bring together the best, brightest, and most innovative executives in the global air cargo industry. Learn more and register at www.cargofactsasia.com .

321 Precision Conversions closes in on A321PCF certification

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