Qantas will convert two of its Airbus A330-200 passenger aircraft into freighters to support the significant shift towards consumers shopping online.

One of the converted widebody freighters will be used in Qantas Freight’s international network, whilst the other will be a new addition to the dedicated fleet that serves Australia Post’s domestic parcel and mail business.

The converted A330 aircraft for Australia Post will be able to carry around 50 tonnes of cargo each flight, more than double the capacity of other freighters operating for the national postal service, the airline noted.

Also read: FedEx inks six-year deal with Qantas Freight

The first A330 aircraft, which will be used by Australia Post, will start its conversion in August 2022 and is expected to start operating in mid-2023, with the second to start operating in late 2023.

The aircraft will be converted by EFW, a joint venture between Airbus and ST Engineering. Conversion work will include removing seats, replacing the existing cabin door with a larger door and the installation of a cargo handling system.

Qantas Freight is set to receive its third Airbus A321P2F freighter this week, which will also operate for Australia Post. The freighter is expected to provide additional capacity ahead of what’s expected to be the busiest Christmas period ever for air cargo.