AeroMorning   March 12, 2026

February 2026 – Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW), the German aerospace company specializing in passenger‑to‑freighter (P2F) aircraft conversions, has signed a new contract with Chinese partner Hengqin Winglet Aircraft Technology to convert Airbus A330‑300 aircraft into modern freighters under its established A330P2F program. This win further expands EFW’s presence in Asia’s fast‑growing air cargo market.

New A330P2F Deal in China

Under the agreement, EFW will convert Airbus A330‑300 passenger aircraft into freighter versions for Hengqin Winglet at the partner’s conversion facility in China. Work on these conversions is planned to begin in mid‑2026, with technical planning and certification support provided from EFW’s headquarters in Dresden, Germany.

James Huang, CEO of Hengqin Winglet, described the partnership as a strategic entry into the A330 freighter segment, reflecting a growing demand from Chinese lessors and operators for wide‑body cargo aircraft. EFW’s CEO Jordi Boto added that the A330P2F remains a key product in the medium‑widebody freighter market, and the contract strengthens EFW’s customer base in China — a region seen as a major engine of future cargo growth.

Context: EFW and the A330P2F Program

Elbe Flugzeugwerke GmbH is a joint venture between ST Engineering and Airbus, and is widely regarded as a center of excellence for Airbus P2F conversions. Its A330P2F program has become one of the most successful wide‑body freighter conversion platforms globally, due to its blend of payload capacity, operational efficiency, and reliability.

The A330P2F variant can typically carry up to around 61 tonnes of cargo over long ranges, making it a versatile choice for freight operators transitioning from older freighter types or expanding capacity. Earlier aircraft converted under this program have been delivered to customers and lessors in multiple regions, signalling sustained strong demand for P2F solutions.

Strategic Importance of the Chinese Market

China’s air cargo market has seen strong growth due to continued expansion of express logistics, e‑commerce, and international trade flows. This has driven demand for modern freighter aircraft — both factory‑built and converted — as airlines and leasing companies expand their freight fleets. The new EFW contract with Hengqin Winglet aligns with this trend, supporting localized conversion capabilities and broadening access to the A330P2F product in Asia.

EFW’s contract is especially notable as it represents one of the first A330P2F agreements with a China‑based lessor under this specific partnership framework, reflecting both the region’s strategic importance and confidence in EFW’s technical expertise.

Broader Role of P2F Conversions

Passenger‑to‑freighter (P2F) conversions have become an essential part of the global air cargo fleet strategy, especially for wide‑body aircraft like the A330. They allow older passenger airframes to be repurposed into high‑value cargo assets, extending aircraft life and meeting freight market demand at lower capital cost than new “greenfield” freighter builds.

The A330P2F, in particular, has been praised for its payload flexibility and operational efficiency, filling an important role between narrow‑body conversions and larger factory freighters. Its adoption continues to grow across multiple regions, with EFW maintaining a leading position as a conversion provider.

Summary

·        Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW) has signed a new A330‑300P2F conversion contract with Hengqin Winglet Aircraft Technology in China.

·        Work is set to start in mid‑2026, with planning and certification support from EFW in Germany.

·        The Chinese freight market’s growth is a strategic driver of this agreement, reflecting strong demand for converted wide‑body freighters.

·        EFW’s A330P2F program remains a key player in the global conversion landscape, supporting operators transitioning to modern cargo aircraft.