Lessor BBAM has struck a deal with with Airbus and ST Engineering’s joint German modification specialist EFW taking to 20 the number of A320/321 passenger-to-freighter conversions to be carried out through until 2025.
The agreement also includes the option to add further conversion slots from 2026 onwards.
BBAM president and chief executive Steve Zissis says: “Our commitment to the P2F programme demonstrates our confidence in the ability of EFW and ST Engineering to deliver long-term value enhancement for the A320s and A321s in our fleet.
”We have committed to the A320/A321P2F program well into the future – beyond 2026 – because we see it as a greener and highly innovative solution for our airline customers, and an excellent way to drive value for our investors.”
Earlier this year BBAM delivered the first Airbus A321P2F on lease to UK carrier Titan Airways.
EFW’s conversion provides an aircraft with a 28t payload – with up to 14 upper-deck and 10 lower-deck containers – and “optimised” weight distribution, allowing the flexibility of empty flights and random loading for express carriers.
EFW chief executive Andres Sperl says: ”With this latest order, BBAM is now the largest aircraft lessor for the A320/A321P2F programme, and one of the top P2F customers of EFW.
“The order volume by BBAM translates into a full conversion line with a minimum of five slots per year. Most of the conversions will be carried out at the airframe facility of our parent company, ST Engineering, in the USA.”
Amid heightened air cargo demand following the global pandemic, last month BBAM ordered a further dozen Boeing 737-800 converted freighters taking its overall commitments for the type to 31.
