Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW), the Airbus–ST Engineering joint venture specialising in passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversions, has signed a contract with Hong Kong-based aircraft lessor Asia Pacific Aviation Leasing Group (APAL) to convert an Airbus A330-300 passenger aircraft into a freighter.
The conversion programme will begin in the second quarter of 2026 at one of EFW’s partner conversion facilities. Technical planning and certification activities will be carried out at EFW’s headquarters in Dresden, Germany.
The agreement strengthens EFW’s presence in the rapidly expanding Chinese air cargo market and marks APAL’s first freighter conversion project with the company. APAL aims to modernise its fleet and expand its capabilities to meet growing demand for cargo capacity across the region.
APAL Chief Executive Officer Hong Wei Zhao said EFW’s established expertise in freighter conversions made the partnership an important step in developing efficient cargo solutions for the Chinese market, which the company considers a strategic priority for future investment.
EFW Chief Executive Officer Jordi Boto highlighted the role of the Airbus A330P2F platform in the medium-sized freighter segment, noting its strong performance and suitability for airlines and lessors expanding their cargo operations.
The new project reflects continued growth in the global air freight sector and increasing demand for converted freighter aircraft as operators seek cost-effective ways to expand cargo capacity.
