EFW, MRO Japan Solidify Airbus P2F Partnership

Elbe Flugzeugwerke is to partner with MRO Japan for passenger-to-freighter conversion services on Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft.

Under the terms of the contract, signed by both parties in Japan this week, Okinawa-based MRO Japan will subcontract third-party passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversion services for Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW), a joint venture between aircraft manufacturer Airbus and Singapore-based MRO ST Engineering. The agreement follows a memorandum of understanding signed in April.

MRO Japan's site at Naha Airport will become a new modifications site for Dresden-based EFW, and will now go through a process of training involving tooling, engineering, supply chain, industrialization and quality before the site is ready to commence the P2F operations in late 2025.

“Collaborating with experienced and well backed aircraft solution providers like MRO Japan supports our capacity for freighter conversions to capture opportunities in the growing Japanese air cargo market,” says EFW CEO Jordi Boto.

Meanwhile, MRO Japan CEO Takashi Takahashi adds that the partnership will be "a significant step toward mutual growth and prosperity for both parties."

EFW, which has more than 40 customers globally, projects strong demand in Japan's air freighter segment, with Airbus P2F aircraft currently operated by the likes of Japanese delivery company Yamato Holdings. 

The company holds multiple capabilities beyond P2F services, including development and manufacturing of fiber-reinforced composite components for Airbus aircraft structures and interiors, maintenance and repair of Airbus aircraft, and engineering services related to aircraft certification and approval.

The addition of P2F conversion work adds further capability to MRO Japan's service portfolio, which also includes base maintenance, line maintenance, component repairs, aircraft painting and AOG recovery services.