A321P2F gets type certification from Brazil’s Aviation Authority

Brazilian airline, Azul Linhas Aéreas, has taken delivery of its first passenger-to-freighter converted Airbus A321 at its hub at Viracopos Airport (VCP). The cargo aircraft, along with a sister model set to be delivered before the turn of the year, will be operated by Azul Cargo Express. It was enabled a second life as freighter by Dresden-Germany-based Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW) on behalf of lessor, AerCap, who passed the aircraft on to its customer and operator, Azul.

The subcontinent is not a blank spot any longer on EFW’s conversion map concerning freighters for medium-haul ranges – photo: Courtesy AZUL

With Brazil validating the supplement type certification (V-STC) for the A321P2F, EFW’s conversion programs are now okayed by the major aviation authorities from all continents.

Pan-Brazilian services
Azul’s A321P2F, registered as PS-AJA, is 18 years old and previously belonged to China Southern Airlines, to which it was delivered directly from the European aircraft manufacturer on 26APR06. After arrival at Viracopos Airport, it was saluted by the local fire fighter brigade with a traditional water shower. The jetliner will remain at Azul’s home base for a short time, to undergo some technical specifications before commencing commercial operations. Crew adaptation is not required since AZUL’s fleet is composed ofA320 family aircraft. It will primarily serve intra-Brazilian routes connecting Manaus, Recife, Viracopos/Sao Paulo and Porto Alegre.

Second A321P2F operated in Brazil
In a release, EFW claims that their A321P2F conversion “is the first-ever A321P2F aircraft registered in South America.” That is partly accurate. The first passenger to freighter converted A321 was delivered to Brazil’s cargo airline, Levu Air Cargo, in MAY24, by lessor, SmartLynx. This was confirmed by Edvinas Demenius, CEO of SmartLynx Airlines: “Our partnership with Levu marks a significant milestone, not only for the Brazilian aviation market with the introduction of the first A321F registered in the country and region, but also for SmartLynx, as we extend our cargo capacity management services to Latin America.” CFG reported.

Clear performance advantages
Back to first or second converted A321 freighter: Azul’s A321P2F is the very first A321 aircraft converted by EFW and delivered to a Latin American airline. More are to follow, states Anke Lemke, Head of Communications at EFW. Yet a higher conversion rate is only possible if there is enough feedstock available. Many airlines, however, are flying their current aircraft longer than planned because the construction programs and thus the delivery rates of Airbus and Boeing are significantly behind schedule, due to material shortages and supply chain hiccups. According to Lemke, EFW will convert 30+ aircraft in 2024, across the entire range of Airbus variants. This is up from 28 units in 2023.

Azul’s A321P2F offers higher cargo capacity compared to the Boeing 737-400F.It can accommodateup to 27 tons with 14 pallets fitting into its main compartment, complemented by additional capacity in the lower holds. It is 39% more efficient in terms of capacity/weight, consumes 27% less fuel per ton transported, and will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 9,000 tons per year, in comparison to the B737-400F operated by Azul Cargo Express since JUL18.

Major milestone
“The arrival of a new aircraft is always a reason for pride and celebration; it means that we are getting closer to offering the best opportunities and much more capacity to serve our current and new customers. These are modern aircraft, with more space, reliability, and autonomy for international flights. With the two freighters, we will promote a logistical transformation in the country, and we are ready to deliver even more agility to Brazilians,” said Izabel Reis, Director of Azul Cargo Express, at the arrival of the freighter in Brazil.

Following the supplement type certification for the A321P2F program obtained from the Brazilian aviation authority, “we look forward to introducing this freighter conversion solution to the wider South American market,” stated Jordi Boto, CEO of EFW. The executive went on to say: “The validated STC, together with our first-ever A321P2F to be operated in South America by Azul Cargo, mark a major milestone that augments the global presence of our Airbus converted freighters.”

Up until now, the subcontinent was a blank spot on the European aircraft manufacturer’s conversion map concerning aircraft for small and medium-haul routes. The market was dominated by production freighters and 737P2C conversions from U.S. frame maker, Boeing.

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