3TOP Aviation Services has acquired three Airbus A321 freighters previously operated by SmartLynx, adding dedicated cargo aircraft to its portfolio for the first time. The aircraft were converted from passenger service by Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW) and are powered by CFM56-5B3/P engines. The transaction expands 3TOP’s activity beyond its existing Airbus A320-family and aftermarket asset-management business into converted narrowbody freighters.
The acquisition adds three aircraft to 3TOP’s assets, but their registrations, serial numbers, purchase price and future deployment have not been disclosed. The aircraft’s current location and the place where the transaction took place are also unknown.
3TOP has previously acquired A320-family aircraft for its aftermarket business. The A321 freighters represent a different asset category: converted aircraft configured for cargo operations rather than passenger service. No details are available on whether 3TOP plans to operate the freighters itself, place them with another operator or pursue another commercial arrangement.