Vallair set to offer A321 converted freighters in 1Q 2020

Luxembourg-based lessor Vallair, which signed on as the launch customer for both EFW’s and 321 Precision Conversions’ A321 passenger-to-freighter conversion programs, is set to begin offering A321 freighters converted by both companies for lease during the first quarter of 2020, according to listings on MyAirTrade. 

Back in April 2018, Vallair confirmed it had picked up six A321-200s intended for conversion with EFW and 321 Precision. Vallair put one of the aircraft (891, ex-FlyCAA) into conversion with 321 Precision, while the other five (677, 827, 835, 968, and 947) were put on short-term lease with a variety of passenger carriers until their eventual conversion. 

One of the A321-200s (891) listed on MyAirTrade was acquired by Vallair from AerCap in August 2017 and is in conversion with 321 Precision Conversions (a JV of Precision Aircraft Solutions and Air Transport Services Group) at Orlando Sanford International (SFB). Vallair’s apparent intent to lease the aircraft in 1Q next year aligns with a statement made by Brian McCarthy, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for 321 Precision Conversions, who at this month’s Cargo Facts EMEA in Frankfurt told delegates that the company had just cut metal for its A321-200 P-to-F program and expects certification of the converted freighter in 1Q 2020, before delivering the aircraft to Vallair. 

The second listed A321-200P2F (835, ex-Onur Air) is in conversion with EFW, 60/40 JV of ST Aerospace and Airbus, at Singapore’s Seletar (XSP) facility. Also at the recent Cargo Facts EMEA, Wolfgang Schmid, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Airbus Freighter Conversion at EFW, said the company expects certification of its A321-200 P-to-F by the end of this year, and of the A320 in 2020. Judging by Vallair’s listings, it’s unclear whether EFW’s STC will, in fact, arrive this year, or if EFW’s and 321 Precision’s converted freighters will both make their first appearances early next year. Either way, we expect that around this time next year, Cargo Facts will be covering the deliveries of both the A321PCF and A312P2F. 

Those interested in hearing more about upcoming freighter conversion programs are invited to join us at Cargo Facts Asia 2019, to be held 15-17 April at the Langham Shanghai. For more information, or to register, visit www.cargofactsasia.com. Discounted early-bird registration ends 1 March.