Qantas puts world's first A321P2F into service
ST Engineering, Airbus and their joint venture Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW) achieved a key milestone in their joint A321 passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversion programme in September with the re-delivery of the "head of version" to launch customer Vallair. The A321P2F, operated by Qantas for Australia Post, entered into service this week.
The aircraft is the first in its size category to offer containerised loading in both the main and lower deck with up to fourteen and ten container positions. With a payload-range capability of up to 28 t over 4,250 km, the A321P2F is of particular interest for express domestic and regional operations.
EFW CEO Andreas Sperl: "Given the outstanding performance of this freighter, we are confident that the A321P2F will be a game changer in the freighter market." (ah)