PRESS RELEASE
Japan and Germany, 22 April 2024 – Elbe Flugzeugwerke GmbH (EFW), Center of Excellence for Airbus Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F) conversions, and MRO Japan (MJP), a leading player in Japan’s aerospace maintenance repair & overhaul market, have announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate on passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversions.
Under the MOU, MJP will serve as a subcontractor for EFW in P2F conversions and provide third-party conversion services for the Airbus A320P2F/A321P2F programs. Through this agreement, MJP will become Japan’s first conversion site for the new-generation Airbus narrowbody P2F aircraft.
Takashi Takahashi, CEO of MJP, expressed excitement about the P2F collaboration and emphasized their commitment to success with EFW. The two companies aim to establish a long-term strategic cooperation for Airbus P2F conversions.
The freighter and logistics market in Japan is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% between 2024-2029, with air freight witnessing the fastest growth among modes of transport. P2F aircraft offer a more efficient and environmentally friendly option for air freight, compared to road transport. The success of Airbus P2F aircraft, currently in operation with operators like Yamato Holdings, highlights the increasing demand for freighters in Japan.
“We are pleased to welcome MJP to our global family of P2F conversion sites. The success of the A321P2F aircraft for our customers demonstrates the suitability of the narrowbody Airbus P2F platform for cargo transportation needs in Japan and the region,” said Jordi Boto, CEO of EFW. Partnerships with experienced solution providers like MJP will support EFW’s expansion of conversion capacity to capitalize on opportunities in the growing Japanese air cargo market.
EFW’s Airbus A320P2F/A321P2F programs are developed in collaboration with ST Engineering and Airbus, with EFW leading in program management, marketing, and sales. The network of conversion facilities established by ST Engineering and EFW across Asia Pacific, Europe, and the U.S. ensures the timely and efficient conversion of Airbus P2F platforms like the A330P2F, A320P2F, and A321P2F.
