Dresden, Germany – Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW), the Dresden-based passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversion specialist, has signed its first conversion agreement with Asia Pacific Aviation Leasing Group (APAL) of Hong Kong for the transformation of an Airbus A330-300 into freighter configuration.
The conversion will take place at one of EFW’s partner facilities beginning in the second quarter of 206, while technical planning, certification, and project oversight will be managed from EFW’s headquarters in Dresden. This marks the first P2F collaboration between EFW and APAL, underscoring the lessor’s commitment to expanding its cargo operations in Asia.
EFW, a joint venture between ST Engineering and Airbus, positions the Airbus A330P2F as a strategic solution in the medium-sized freighter segment. EFW CEO Jordi Boto said: “The Airbus A330P2F represents the future of the medium-sized freighter segment. We are providing APAL with a high-performing solution as they build up their fleet in the cargo market.”
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APAL CEO Hong Wei Zhao added: “EFW’s proven expertise in freighter conversion is key to modernising our fleet and meeting the dynamic needs of the Chinese cargo market — a market we are prioritising and to which we intend to commit additional resources. Our first freighter conversion programme with EFW underscores our commitment to providing innovative and efficient solutions to our valued customers.”
Strengthening the China Connection
EFW has been actively engaged in the Chinese cargo market in recent months. In February, the company signed an A330 P2F conversion contract with Hengqin Winglet Aircraft Technology, with work to be carried out at a partner facility in China and technical planning handled from Dresden.
In January, EFW completed delivery of its eighth A330-200 P2F conversion for Air China Cargo, marking its first major contract in China. The project was planned in Dresden and executed by Ameco (Aircraft Maintenance and Engineering Corporation Limited) at its Chengdu facility, one of eight international conversion sites in EFW’s global network.
The APAL project reinforces EFW’s position as a leading P2F conversion provider and highlights the growing demand for medium-sized freighters in Asia, particularly in markets requiring modern, efficient cargo aircraft to support expanding e-commerce and logistics operations.
