DHL Signs A330-300P2F Conversion Launch Contract With EFW

July 14, 2016
Under the agreement, EFW will convert four Airbus A330-300 passenger aircraft to a 26-pallet cargo configuration. he first aircraft will be inducted into EFW’s Dresden-based facilities in July 2016, scheduled for redelivery to DHL Express by end 2017.
Farnborough, London, 13 July 2016 – Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW), the joint venture of the world’s leading aircraft maintenance and engineering company ST Aerospace, and global leader in aeronautics Airbus Group, today announced the signature of the Airbus A330-300P2F (passenger-to-freighter) conversion launch contract with DHL Express, the world’s leading express and logistics company.Under the agreement, EFW will convert four Airbus A330-300 passenger aircraft to a 26-pallet cargo configuration, capable of carrying up to 61 metric tonnes of payload. The first aircraft will be inducted into EFW’s Dresden-based facilities in July 2016, scheduled for redelivery to DHL Express by end 2017.“The A330-300P2F conversion will address an important requirement within our global aviation fleet for mid-range, high volume cargo aircraft,” said Geoff Kehr, Senior Vice President, Global Air Fleet Management of DHL Express. “It will bring added flexibility and capacity to our operations, and will further support our aims of improving fuel efficiency for every kilo of cargo carried within our air network.”"We are very glad and proud to have DHL Express as launch customer,” said Dr Andreas Sperl, President and CEO of EFW. “The A330P2F programme ensures the continuity of high quality freighter aircraft made by EFW in Dresden."The A330P2F conversion programme, launched in 2012 is a collaboration between Airbus, EFW and ST Aerospace. ST Aerospace, as the programme and technical lead for the engineering development phase, is responsible for applying for the supplemental type certificates for the freighter conversions, from the European Aviation Safety Agency and the US Federal Aviation Administration. Aircraft OEM Airbus contributes to the programme with OEM data and certification support, while EFW leads the industrialisation phase and marketing for the freighter conversion programme.The A330P2F programme includes two versions – the A330-200P2F and the larger A330-300P2F. Of the two variants, the larger A330-300P2F is suited for integrators and express carriers due to its high volumetric payload capability with lower-density cargo. Complementing this will be the A330-200P2F, which is optimised for higher-density freight and longer range performance.DHL Express is EFW’s first customer for the A330-300P2F conversion programme, while a launch contract with Egyptair Cargo was secured in December 2014, for the A330-200P2F conversion programme.DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. The DHL family of divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With about 340,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global trade flows. With specialised solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, energy, automotive and retail, a proven commitment to corporate responsibility and an unrivalled presence in developing markets, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”. DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of more than 59 billion euros in 2015.EFW (Elbe Flugzeugwerke GmbH) is a 55:45 joint venture of ST Aerospace and Airbus Group, based in Dresden, Germany. EFW combines various aviation and technology activities under one roof, including passenger-to-freighter aircraft conversions, maintenance and repair of Airbus aircraft, and the development and manufacturing of flat fibre-reinforced composite components for structures and interiors of the entire Airbus family of aircraft. Apart from being the exclusive supplier for composite flat panels to Airbus for all Airbus aircraft, EFW serves as ST Aerospace’s centre for passenger-to-freighter conversions, aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), as well as engineering services in Europe, leveraging ST Aerospace’s global network, track record and expertise in aircraft MRO and engineering.Airbus, a division of Airbus Group, is the global leading commercial aircraft manufacturer with the most modern, comprehensive and efficient family of airliners, ranging in capacity from 100 to more than 600 seats. Airbus has sold over 16,500 aircraft to around 400 customers and, in addition, provides the highest standard of customer support and training through an expanding international network. Airbus employs some 55,000 people and in 2015 generated revenues of 45.9 billion Euros.ST Aerospace (Singapore Technologies Aerospace Ltd) is the aerospace arm of ST Engineering with a revenue of $2.09b in FY2015. Operating a global MRO network with facilities and affiliates in the Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe, it is the world’s largest commercial airframe MRO provider with a global customer base that includes leading airlines, airfreight and military operators. ST Aerospace is an integrated service provider that offers a spectrum of maintenance and engineering services that include airframe, engine and component maintenance, repair and overhaul; engineering design and technical services; and aviation materials and asset management services, including Total Aviation Support. ST Aerospace has a global staff strength of around 8,000employees worldwide. Please visit [ ]www.staero.aero.