Chengdu-based Sichuan Airlines has taken delivery of its first Airbus A330-300 passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversion, expanding its cargo fleet to four aircraft.
Latest additions
The aircraft registered B-32D2, is the first of its type to undergo conversion by Elbe Flugzeugwerke and Shanghai Technologies Aerospace Company (STARCO) at its facilities in Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), becoming Elbe Flugzeugwerke’s first P2F adaptation to have taken place in China. Sichuan Airlines’ delivery coincides with the announcement that the Civil Aviation Authority of China (CAAC) has formally issued certification for the modified A330 P2F, covering both -200 and -300 variants converted in China by Elbe Flugzeugwerke and overseas.
A further 13 A330s are to be converted for Sichuan Airlines’ lessor CDB Aviation by Elbe Flugzeugwerke, with the carrier to take delivery of two of the type.
Powered by two Rolls Royce Trent 700 engines, the 15-year-old widebody initially entered service in 2008 with China Southern Airlines as B-6112, remaining with the carrier until early 2021. The jet briefly served with SmartLynx Malta, operating as 9H-SMC until its conversion in Shanghai earlier this year.
As reported by Air Cargo News, the aircraft is set to be utilized on Sichuan Airlines’ Chengdu (CTU) – Budapest (BUD) cargo route, operating three times per week. Shipments between the two cities typically target import-export cargo and e-commerce, with Budapest serving as a cargo gateway to Eastern and Central Europe for Asian operators.
“This redelivery marks a significant milestone for Sichuan Airlines and China as we see the outcome of intense work and collaboration resulting in the arrival of the country’s very first A330 P2F,” noted Jie Chen, CDB Aviation’s Chief Executive Officer.
“We are grateful to the Sichuan Airlines team for trusting CDB Aviation to be a partner in supporting their innovative fleet strategy and for becoming our first A330 P2F customer in China. This aircraft will be a superb addition to their fleet as the airline continues to serve the country’s rapidly expanding air cargo market.”
Growing fleet
Earlier this year, the carrier announced it was set to operate several upcoming Airbus A321 P2F aircraft currently under order by the Sichuan Aviation Industry Development (SAID) fund, becoming the first operator of the type in China. The first aircraft, a 20-year-old ex-Air Macau jet, is currently under conversion with the Sichuan Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Company (SMECO) at Chengdu Airport, with redelivery scheduled for Q4 2023.
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The aircraft’s smaller size and type reliability will see it rolled out on express freight and general cargo services, according to SAID President Chen Bo.
Encompassing its entire passenger and cargo fleet, Sichuan Airlines operates almost 200 active aircraft, primarily Airbus A320 family jets, for short and medium-haul operations. The carrier also operates ten passenger A330s and five A350s for its long-haul network. The airline is set to take on a further eight A350 through lessors AerCap, with deliveries running through the next several years.
What are your thoughts on Sichuan Airlines’ new freighter? What aircraft would you like to see the carrier operate? Let us know in the comments.
Sources: Air Cargo News, Freight Waves, Aviacionline