Universal Sky Carrier (USC) is to become the launch customer for the Airbus A340 freighter conversion programme developed by Avensis Aviation, which specialises in this type of products.
As reported by Air Cargo News, the carrier will be the first to use A340-300 and A340-600 aircraft converted from the NAVIS PTF programme.
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The Airbus A340 conversion programme developed by Avensis
The conversion includes the installation of an innovative large all-electric cargo door in the main deck of the aircraft. It also incorporates a separate crew section, a 9G rigid cargo barrier, a full Class-E cargo compartment and a main deck cargo loading system to facilitate the stowage and unstowage of containers.
According to information released by Avensis, the aircraft will initially be converted with the MEDIUS reversible solution, which eliminates the original seats and converts the airplane into a cargo transport aircraft without a special door in the main deck. This type of conversion allows the configuration to be changed to suit the operator’s needs more quickly.
«NAVIS is our flagship PTF conversion and it is aimed at lessors and established cargo airlines that demand a permanent, innovative and cost-effective PTF solution», said Cristian Sutter, CEO of Avensis Aviation. «The innovative plug type main deck cargo door is fully electrically operated, lightweight, and safer due to its locking mechanism design», he added.
«The Airbus A340 provides a competitive aircraft freighter platform for the express market by offering payload, volume and performance advantages, particularly for ultra long-haul routes», Sutter concluded.
