AIRBUS has reached an historic milestone with the sale of two A330-200 passenger-to-freighter (p2f) converted aircraft to Turkmenistan Airlines, writes, Thelma Etim.
It marks the first time an Airbus aircraft has been purchased in Turkmenistan-and also makes the flag carrier the first operator of the type in central Asia.
The converted aircraft, scheduled to be delivered in 2022, will enable the airline to further develop and boost its international cargo route network, reveals a statement.
The A330-200 p2f is an optimal solution for higher-density freight and longer-range performance, the European aircraft.
manufacturer says. The aircraft can carry up to 61 tonnes over more than 7700 km, thereby offering more cargo volume and lower costs-per-tonne than other available freighter types with a similar range, it explains.
The re-purposed aircraft will incorporate advanced technology, including fly-by-wire controls , which bring additional operational and economic benefits to airline customers.
Turkmenistan Airlines,which is based at Ashgabat international Airport, currently operates scheduled passenger services to domestic and international destinations in India, south-east Asia,Europe and the CIS countries.
The airline operates an all -Boeing fleet of narrow-and wide-body aircraft witch currently includes the B777-200LR, the B757-200, the B737-800 and the B737-700NG.
Launched in 2012, the A330 passenger-to-freighter conversion programme was borne out of a collaboration between conversions specialist ST Engineering Aerospace, and the Airbus Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW) joint venture.
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