With the significant shift towards online commerce being driven by consumers, triggered even more by the pandemic, Qantas has decided to convert two of its A330-200s to freighters.
As reported by the company, one will be dedicated to the international network while the other will join the sole fleet it operates for Australia Post’s (Australia Post) parcel and corporate mail services. Each one has the capacity to carry around 50 tons of cargo.
«Our cargo unit has seen a boom during the pandemic, and while some of it is temporary, COVID has accelerated the ongoing expansion of e-commerce in this country. We are therefore working with key partners such as Australia Post to respond to these structural changes and increase the number of parcels we can ship by air while ensuring it reaches homes as quickly as possible,» commented Alan Joyce, CEO of Qantas.
The aircraft will be converted by EFW, an Airbus and ST Engineering joint venture, and will involve the removal of the seats, replacement of the cabin access door with a larger one, and the installation of a cargo handling system.
By August 2022, the first A330, which will be used by Australia Post, will begin to be converted and enter commercial service in mid-2023. The second is due to enter service later the same year.
Qantas will also take delivery this week of its third Airbus A321P2F in time for Christmas demand. Australia Post moved 52 million parcels in December last year, accounting for more than 7.4 million kilograms of freight. In two years, e-commerce volume in Australia grew by 76%.
Upon completion of the conversions of these two A330s, the Qantas Group’s fleet of dedicated freighters will reach 25 aircraft.
