newstodate.aero
Feb 11, 2016 (newstodate): Is there really a market for the A320 freighter conversion - and if so, who will become first mover?
So far, two providers have announced the launch of separate Airbus A320 P2F program - the US-based PACAVI Group and Chinese MRO GAMECO as well as Airbus together with Singapore's ST Aerospace that has now taken the majority in the Airbus subsidiary designated for the task, EFW.
Still, no launch customer has been announced for either of the programs.
In April 2007, Airbus launched the A320 P2F program that was, however, abruptly stalled and shelved again in June 2011.
West Atlantic was poised to become the first operator of the converter A320 but was left in a void as Airbus stalled the project.
-I seriously doubt if the converted Airbus A320 will have a future with European operators, at least, Russell Ladkin, Director, Sales & Operations at West Atlantic, told newstodate in January 2015.
-When Airbus first launched the concept it was indeed very attractive as an alternative to the Boeing 737-300 option. Since then, things have changed.
-First of all, the residual value of the Boeing 737-300 has declined even further, and the Boeing 737-400 has become an even more attractive option with larger payload and range, albeit short in supply these days.
-Next, the current very low fuel prices make the Boeing 737 options even more attractive, compensating for the larger fuel burn, compared to the Airbus A320.
-Thirdly, the residual value of the Airbus A320 still makes it a rather costly investment. After all, freighters in European traffic operate only few hours per day on the shorter routes which will make the capital cost burden weigh heavily on freighter operations by an Airbus A320, compared to the comparatively much cheaper Boeing 737, Mr Ladkin said.
Also adding to the pressure on the A320 converted freighter now is the coming conversion programs for the Boeing 737NG aircraft, already on the table.
In September 2015, the new Hangzhou-based YTO Express Airlines, owned by YTO Express, was confirmed as the launch customer for the converted Boeing 737-800 freighter, with an order for 15 aircraft offering longer range, better payload and improved fuel economics compared to the Boeing 737 Classic conversions.
So far, two providers have announced the launch of separate Airbus A320 P2F program - the US-based PACAVI Group and Chinese MRO GAMECO as well as Airbus together with Singapore's ST Aerospace that has now taken the majority in the Airbus subsidiary designated for the task, EFW.
Still, no launch customer has been announced for either of the programs.
In April 2007, Airbus launched the A320 P2F program that was, however, abruptly stalled and shelved again in June 2011.
West Atlantic was poised to become the first operator of the converter A320 but was left in a void as Airbus stalled the project.
-I seriously doubt if the converted Airbus A320 will have a future with European operators, at least, Russell Ladkin, Director, Sales & Operations at West Atlantic, told newstodate in January 2015.
-When Airbus first launched the concept it was indeed very attractive as an alternative to the Boeing 737-300 option. Since then, things have changed.
-First of all, the residual value of the Boeing 737-300 has declined even further, and the Boeing 737-400 has become an even more attractive option with larger payload and range, albeit short in supply these days.
-Next, the current very low fuel prices make the Boeing 737 options even more attractive, compensating for the larger fuel burn, compared to the Airbus A320.
-Thirdly, the residual value of the Airbus A320 still makes it a rather costly investment. After all, freighters in European traffic operate only few hours per day on the shorter routes which will make the capital cost burden weigh heavily on freighter operations by an Airbus A320, compared to the comparatively much cheaper Boeing 737, Mr Ladkin said.
Also adding to the pressure on the A320 converted freighter now is the coming conversion programs for the Boeing 737NG aircraft, already on the table.
In September 2015, the new Hangzhou-based YTO Express Airlines, owned by YTO Express, was confirmed as the launch customer for the converted Boeing 737-800 freighter, with an order for 15 aircraft offering longer range, better payload and improved fuel economics compared to the Boeing 737 Classic conversions.