Dresden-based EFW last month started the conversion of the 100th aircraft since taking up this activity in 1996. The 19-year old A310-300 was formerly used by Turkish Airlines offering passenger services from Istanbul tomajor European destinations.

The conversion process from passenger into freighter confi guration takes about four months. Then the aircraft will start its second life and enter the Turkish Airlines freighter fl eet. The cargo division of Turkish Airlines is growing rapidly. After the entry into service of the three A310 PtoF freighters, Turkish Cargo will be able to serve new routes in Europe, MiddleEast and the CIS region.

"Turkish Cargo is the leading cargo carrier in total export and import cargo in Turkey with 52 percent market share in 2006, " said CEO of Turkish Airlines Dr. Temel Kotil. The next two A310s will be converted later this year and in the middle of 2008.