Global logistics specialist DHL Express has ordered an additional four firm and ten optional A330-300P2F (passenger-to-freighter) conversions from Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW).
The agreement, which was announced during the ongoing 2017 Paris Airshow, follows on from another DHL contract for four A330-300P2F conversions, awarded in July last year. The first aircraft under the launch contract is currently undergoing conversion at EFW's Dresden facilities, and is on track to be redelivered by the end of 2017.
"DHL is delighted to be expanding this pioneering conversion program with ST Aero, EFW and Airbus and securing the option to add more units to our fleet in future," Geoff Kehr, Senior Vice President, Global Air Fleet Management, DHL Express, said. "We believe the A330-300P2F, with its favorable payload and range metrics, will address an important demand segment within the air cargo market that is not currently served by any other aircraft type. It will further strengthen the global air network of DHL Express and help us to achieve even greater efficiencies in our aviation operations."
The A330P2F programme includes two versions – the A330-200P2F and the larger A330-300P2F. Of the two variants, EFW says the larger A330-300P2F is better suited to integrators and express carriers due to its high volumetric payload capability with lower-density cargo. The smaller A330-200P2F is optimised for higher-density freight and longer range operations.
As such, DHL Express is EFW’s launch customer for the A330-300P2F conversion program, while EgyptAir Cargo (MSX, Cairo International) is the A330-200P2F's launch customer with that contract having been signed in December 2014.
