A320/A321 Freighter Conversion Programme to End

Airbus, EADS EFW and their Russian partners, United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) and IRKUT, have jointly decided to stop the A320/A321 Passenger to Freighter conversion development programme for economic reasons.

They will now launch the necessary legal procedures for the termination of the joint venture “Airbus Freighter Conversion GmbH (AFC)”.

Recent market developments, including the success of the upcoming A320neo, have resulted in more demand for A320 passenger aircraft and less for freighter versions in this aircraft category. In addition, high demand for used A320 Family aircraft has reduced the amount of aircraft available for conversion.

The joint venture “Airbus Freighter Conversion GmbH (AFC)” was established in April 2007. Headquartered in Dresden, Germany, AFC was equally divided between Russia (UAC and IRKUT with 25% each) and EADS/Airbus (EADS EFW 32%, Airbus 18%).

IRKUT and Airbus will continue their partnership in components manufacturing for the Single Aisle programme.

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