DHL signs A330-300P2F conversion launch contract with EFW

Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW) reported the signature of the Airbus A330-300P2F (passenger-to-freighter) conversion launch contract with express and logistics company DHL Express. Under the agreement, EFW will convert four Airbus A330-300 passenger aircraft to a 26-pallet cargo configuration, capable of carrying up to 61 metric tonnes of payload. The first aircraft will be inducted into EFW’s Dresden-based facilities in July 2016, scheduled for redelivery to DHL Express by end 2017. The A330P2F conversion programme, launched in 2012 is a collaboration between Airbus, EFW and ST Aerospace. ST Aerospace, as the programme and technical lead for the engineering development phase, is responsible for applying for the supplemental type certificates for the freighter conversions, from the European Aviation Safety Agency and the US Federal Aviation Administration. Aircraft OEM Airbus contributes to the programme with OEM data and certification support, while EFW leads the industrialisation phase and marketing for the freighter conversion programme.