Turning passenger aircraft into freighters

The downturn in international travel has created a problem for international air freight: without space for cargo in a passenger aircraft’s ‘belly’, more capacity to transport goods around the world is needed.

This has led to a surge in demand for dedicated freighter aircraft, particularly as e-commerce continues to grow.

Many freight companies are turning to the Airbus A330 P2F, a passenger aircraft converted into a freighter, to boost capacity, and it is proving to be a great platform for the future.

The A330 aircraft is one of the most successful widebody aircraft in the world. It has a wide fuselage, boosting cargo capacity; well-established technology; and sound economics. There are 1,500 aircraft in service and the aircraft has been updated and improved several times since it first began flying.

Around two thirds of A330s (especially younger ones) are powered by our Trent 700 engines, which demonstrate excellent reliability, capability, and the lowest fuel burn of all engine options for the aircraft.

New engines are assembled in Derby, UK, and the majority of younger A330 aircraft are powered by the Trent 700. This means that we will have the capability to service these engines, with good availability of parts, for many years to come.

In addition, we provide a range of services that deliver choice, flexibility and innovation from full value transfer TotalCare, to flexible SelectCare and Foundation Services that operate on a time and material basis, supported by a competitive and capable MRO network.

Image ©DHL

A new partnership

We are working with Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW) to provide a seamless customer experience for operators and owners of Trent 700-powered A330 P2F, from initial studies and conversion to support at entry into service and beyond.

EFW is a joint venture between ST Engineering Aerospace and Airbus and is the sole provider of the A330 P2F. It has capacity to convert aircraft in Germany and Singapore.

Dr. Sperl, CEO of EFW said: “With our new Airbus freighter family, we are best positioned for the future. We are happy about this good relationship with Rolls-Royce supporting our unique A330 freighters”.

Bruce Blythe, SVP Services for the Trent 700 programme, said: “We envisage the A330 P2F being increasingly popular due to its capability, versatility, and the substantial amount of suitable aircraft that will be available for many years to come.”

The A330 P2F

The A330 P2F offers new levels of fuel burn efficiency and up to 15% more payload and range capability.  Standard containers and pallets can be loaded onto the upper and lower decks, enabling greater volumes of goods to be transported. The A330 P2F offers up to 23% more capacity compared to older medium widebody aircraft in service today, making it the best freighter in its class.

Power of Trent

Efficiency. Value. Innovation.

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