Press ReleaseEFW and MRO Japan enter MOU for collaboration in 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 signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate in passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversions.
Under the MOU, MJP will act as a subcontractor for EFW in P2F conversions and provide third party conversion services for the latter’s Airbus A320P2F/A321P2F programmes. With this collaboration, MJP will become Japan's first conversion site for the new-generation Airbus narrowbody P2F aircraft.
Takashi Takahashi, CEO, MJP, said, “We are very excited about the P2F collaboration and are committed to achieving success together with EFW. We look forward to establishing a long-term strategic cooperation between the two companies for Airbus P2F conversions.”
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 transport1. Compared to road freight, air freight using P2F aircraft provides a more efficient and environmental 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.
“We look forward to welcoming MJP into our global family of P2F conversion sites. The success of the A321P2F aircraft for our customer FUYO and end customer Yamato Holdings, shows how the narrowbody Airbus P2F platform is a perfect fit for the cargo transportation needs in Japan and the region,” said Jordi Boto, CEO of EFW. “Partnerships with experienced and well-backed solution providers such as MJP will provide the necessary strategic support as we expand our conversion capacity to capture opportunities in the growing Japanese air cargo market.”
EFW’s Airbus A320P2F/A321P2F programmes are developed in collaboration with ST Engineering and Airbus, with EFW holding the Supplemental Type Certificate and leading in the overall programme as well as marketing & sales efforts. To meet the demand for Airbus converted freighters, ST Engineering and EFW set up a network of facilities across Asia Pacific, Europe and the U.S. to carry out conversions for their Airbus P2F programmes, which comprise the A330P2F, A320P2F and A321P2F platforms.
1 According to Mordor Intelligence’s report, “Japan freight and logistics market size & share analysis - growth trends & forecasts up to 2029”, Japan’s international air freight market is estimated to grow at a CAR of 4.97% between 2024-2029. Source: https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/japan-freight-logistics
About
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.
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.
