Elbe Flugzeugwerke GmbH (EFW), renowned for its expertise in Airbus passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversions, and HNA Aviation Group (HNA), a major Chinese aviation player owned by Fangda Group, have signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate on converting Airbus A330 aircraft from passenger-to-freighter models. This agreement, signed at the China International Aviation and Aerospace Expo in Zhuhai, China, will help both companies address the rising demand for air cargo capacity, spurred by the growth of cross-border e-commerce and the global logistics market's recovery.
Under the MOU, EFW will assist Grand China Aircraft Maintenance Services (GCAM), a subsidiary of HNA Aviation Group, in establishing A330P2F conversion capabilities at its facility at Meilan International Airport in Haikou, China. This partnership aims to build local capacity for converting A330 aircraft, creating an efficient and expanded freighter network within China's borders. EFW, a joint venture between ST Engineering and Airbus, currently has three P2F conversion sites in China and will use this collaboration to further expand its footprint within the Chinese market.
The initial stage of this collaboration will see EFW converting the first A330 from HNA's fleet at its Shanghai facility in the first half of 2025, with the option for a second conversion later in the year. Following this, the remainder of HNA's A330 fleet slated for conversion will be modified at GCAM's newly set-up facility in Haikou.
Jordi Boto, CEO of EFW: “We are happy to enter into an agreement on A330P2F conversion with HNA Aviation Group, one of the largest aviation groups in China. We look forward to working with our latest strategic partner to tap the growing Chinese market and beyond, and to better support the growing global demand for air cargo with our wide-body P2F solution.”
Ding Yongzheng, Chairman of HNA Aviation Group, highlighted the increasing demand for long-range, wide-body freighters due to e-commerce expansion and the revival of global logistics. He praised the partnership as a mutual opportunity, noting that HNA has extensive experience operating A330 aircraft, and the new venture with EFW will add strategic value and growth opportunities for both parties in the aviation market.
This agreement positions both EFW and HNA Aviation Group to meet the surging need for freight capacity in Asia and beyond, establishing them as key players in the rapidly expanding market for passenger-to-freighter conversions.
