Astral Aviation is set to be the launch operator of ST Engineering’s A320 passenger-to-freighter (P2F) programme after the latter signed an agreement to lease up to five Airbus A320 cargo conversions to UAE-based lessor group Vaayu. Cargo airline Astral Aviation, based in Nairobi, Kenya, will be the launch operator for the first two of the five A320P2F aircraft by sub-leasing them from Vaayu. The first A320P2F, which is being converted by ST Engineering, is expected to be placed on lease … [Read more...] about Astral Aviation to start flying world’s first A320P2F in Q2
MRO Conversions & Manufacturers
Here’s the ‘newest’ cargo jet to join Lufthansa’s fleet
EFW recently handed over the third 3rd converted A321P2F to aircraft lessor BBAM, which will be the first passenger-to-cargo conversion of the type to be operated by the Lufthansa Group. The yet to be branded Airbus, now with gross payload capacity of 28 tonnes, will make its way to Munich and will be operated by Lufthansa unit CityLine for the airline’s cargo division. Lufthansa Technik took over the transfer and commissioned an external cockpit crew specializing in ferry flights for the … [Read more...] about Here’s the ‘newest’ cargo jet to join Lufthansa’s fleet
AEI’s B737-800SF freighter model gets ETOPS approval
Aeronautical Engineers, Inc. (AEI) has received ETOPS 180 approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its B737-800SF freighter conversion. This latest development will allow the 23.9-tonne-capacity twin-engine freighter to fly extended 180 minutes over water and remote regions. AEI says this will open operational routes in areas like Northern Africa and Western China. Also read: AEI is the only conversion house to have gained ETOPS approval for the 737-800 … [Read more...] about AEI’s B737-800SF freighter model gets ETOPS approval
Texel Air launches first 737-800BCF in the Middle East
Bahrain-based private airline and MRO company Texel Air has launched the latest addition to its growing fleet with the arrival of its very first 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter. This full freighter aircraft, the first of the type to be operated in the region, is set to add more capacity on Texel’s network as it looks to serve the growing e-commerce and express demand across the Middle East, India, Turkey, East Africa. Also read: Texel Air unveils maiden Boeing 737-700 FlexCombi in … [Read more...] about Texel Air launches first 737-800BCF in the Middle East
Korean Air tests drones for aircraft inspection
Korean Air held a demo on 16 December to showcase its latest aircraft inspection technology using multiple drones, which is expected to shorten the inspection time and improve workplace safety. This new technology uses four drones, each measuring 1 metre in width and height and weighing 5.5 kilos, to inspect aircraft fuselage with an operations programme that allows the drones to take photos of pre-planned areas. The airline said the drone technology allows for the usual visual inspection … [Read more...] about Korean Air tests drones for aircraft inspection
EFW’s A320P2F protoype takes maiden flight
Press release (to be edited) Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW), the joint venture by European manufacturer Airbus and Singapore's ST Engineering, has succesfully operated the first flight of the A320 passenger-to-freighter aircraft, otherwise known as the A320P2F. The flight took place on 8 December at ST Engineering’s facilities in Seletar Aerospace Park in Singapore and follows the conversion to freighter configuration, which commenced there in March this year. The A320P2F complements EFW’s … [Read more...] about EFW’s A320P2F protoype takes maiden flight
