Press ReleaseEFW and MRO Japan Enter Partnership for A320P2F/A321P2F Conversions
Elbe Flugzeugwerke GmbH (EFW), Centre of Excellence for Airbus Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F) conversions, and MRO Japan (MJP), a leading player in Japan’s aerospace maintenance repair & overhaul market, today announced the entering of a partnership in passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversions that will make MJP Japan's first conversion site for the new-generation Airbus narrowbody P2F aircraft. The contract signing took place during the first Airbus and EFW P2F Symposium Japan.
Under the contract, MJP will serve as a subcontractor for EFW, providing third-party conversion services for EFW’s Airbus A320P2F/A321P2F programs. The process of onboarding MJP as EFW’s new modification site involves comprehensive trainings in tooling, engineering, supply chain, industrialization, and quality to ensure operational readiness and excellence. The first aircraft induction for conversion is foreseen to commence by the end of 2025.
"We are excited to have MJP join our global network of P2F conversion sites," said Jordi Boto, CEO of EFW. "Collaborating with experienced and well backed aircraft solution providers like MJP supports our capacity for freighter conversions to capture opportunities in the growing Japanese air cargo market."
Takashi Takahashi, CEO, MJP, said, “We are truly happy that the new partnership between EFW and MRO Japan has been established. It will be a significant step towards mutual growth and prosperity for both parties. Our deepest gratitude goes to EFW for their cooperation and support. We are excited to work with the EFW team to initiate the first modification and move on to the next step.”
Executive Management of EFW and MRO Japan during the signing ceremony of the cooperation contract in Tokyo.
Japan’s freighter and logistics market size is estimated by industry researchers to expand at a CAGR of 4.2% between 2024-2029, with air freight being the fastest growing market by mode of transport. Compared to road freight, air freight using P2F aircraft provides a more efficient and environmentally friendly way of transporting goods. The success of Airbus P2F aircraft which are now flying reliably and efficiently for operators including Yamato Holdings, one of Japan’s largest delivery service companies, reflects an increasing demand for freighters in Japan.
EFW’s Airbus A320P2F/A321P2F programes are developed as a collaboration by ST Engineering, Airbus and EFW, with EFW holding the Supplemental Type Certificate and leading in the overall programme.
About
About A321P2F and A320P2F
The Airbus A321P2F is a technological breakthrough given that it is the first in its size category to offer containerized loading in both the main deck (up to 14 full container positions) and lower deck (up to 10 container positions). EFW’s A321P2F solution, which comes with optimized weight distribution to enable random loading or even empty flights without additional ballast, as well as a payload-range capability of more than 28 metric tons, accords high flexibility for operators, in particular express carriers. Being the only OEM solution for the Airbus A321P2F conversion in the market it also ensures that EFW’s program has greater lifecycle value and superiority in quality, reliability, and ease of maintenance. The A320P2F is a well fitting complement to the A321P2F of EFW. The current global Airbus A320 passenger fleet comprises thousands of aircraft, offering good-fitting options for airlines and leasing companies wanting to invest in converted freighters. The A320P2F is able to accommodate 10 container and 1 pallet positions in the main deck, and seven container positions in the lower deck. It offers a gross payload of up to 20 tonnes at a maximum range of 1,850nm and total usable containerised volume of 159m3 (5,603ft3), as well as a 50% larger opening surface of cargo doors all open outwards and 60% less turn around time compared to other freighter aircraft in its class.
About EFW
Elbe Flugzeugwerke GmbH (EFW), a subsidiary of ST Engineering and Airbus combines various aviation and technology activities under a single roof: development and manufacturing of fibre-reinforced composite components for aircraft structures and interiors of the entire Airbus family, the conversion of passenger aircraft into freighter configuration, maintenance and repair of Airbus aircraft as well as engineering services in the context of certification and approval. The company has a workforce of over 2,000 employees, achieved revenues of approximately €600 million in 2023 and is on a sustainable course of growth. With over 20 years of experience and more than 40 conversion customers worldwide, thereof the largest Express carriers in North America and Europe but also renowned General Freight and Combination Carriers, EFW is the Centre of Excellence for freighter conversions and driving the development of the Airbus freighter family. For more information about EFW, please visit www.efw.aero.
About MRO Japan
MRO Japan, headquartered in Naha, Okinawa, Japan, was established in 2015, marking a significant milestone in the region's aviation industry. Originally commencing operations at Osaka Airport with 180 employees, MRO Japan later relocated its business to Naha Airport in 2019 for its second start-up phase.
Supported by investments from various companies, including local businesses within Okinawa Prefecture, MRO Japan has experienced remarkable growth and expansion. With an annual revenue surpassing 4 billion yen, MRO Japan achieved profitability the elimination of accumulated losses ahead of schedule. Presently, the company boasts a total workforce of 433 employees, with over 90% of its 224 regular employees native to Okinawa Prefecture.
Distinguished as the only specialized aircraft maintenance business in Japan MRO Japan leverages its strategic location alongside Okinawa Prefecture, and a talented, youthful workforce to tackle the challenges of the burgeoning Asian aviation market.
About ST Engineering
ST Engineering is a global technology, defence and engineering group with a diverse portfolio of businesses across the aerospace, smart city, defence and public security segments. The Group harnesses technology and innovation to solve real-world problems, enabling a more secure and sustainable world. Headquartered in Singapore, it has operations spanning Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the U.S., serving customers in more than 100 countries. ST Engineering reported a revenue of over $10 billion in 2023 and ranks among the largest companies listed on the Singapore Exchange. It is a component stock of MSCI Singapore, FTSE Straits Times Index and Dow Jones Sustainability Asia Pacific Index.
