Airbus is optimistic it can secure an Asian launch customer for its "A320P2F" passenger-to-freighter conversion programme in the first half of 2010.

"I think it is realistic that we'll get our first customer in this region in the first half of 2010," says Michael Fuerst, vice-president marketing and sales, Airbus Freighter Conversion.

Fuerst thinks that the economic turmoil means potential customers are waiting to see whether the region's recovery is truly under way before committing.

Lessor AerCap launched the A320P2F programme in July last year, with an order for 30 conversions - the first of is due for delivery in early 2012. Fuerst says the conversion's list price is $4.2 million.

Source: Flight Daily News