DHL Express has signed a contract to be the first customer of the Airbus A330-300 passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversion with Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW) and ST Aerospace in a deal signed at the Farnborough International Airshow.
Dresden-based EFW will convert four A330-300s to a 26-pallet configuration capable of carrying up to 61 tonnes of cargo, with the first aircraft going to EFW in July 2016 and scheduled for redelivery by the end of 2017.
EFW president and chief executive officer, Dr Andreas Sperl says: “We are very glad and proud to have DHL Express as launch customer. The A330P2F programme ensures the continuity of high quality freighter aircraft made by EFW in Dresden.”
DHL Express senior vice president global air fleet management, Geoff Kehr says: “The A330-300P2F conversion will address an important requirement within our global aviation fleet for mid-range, high volume cargo aircraft.”
“It will bring added flexibility and capacity to our operations, and will further support our aims of improving fuel efficiency for every kilo of cargo carried within our air network.”