AVi8 Airways and Pakistan’s Serene Air have signed a preliminary memorandum of understanding in Beijing to explore acquiring or leasing Serene Air Airbus A330s for possible passenger-to-freighter conversions. The agreement also covers potential cooperation in aircraft leasing and ACMI operations. No aircraft numbers, conversion commitments or financial terms were disclosed, and the MOU does not confirm that any A330 will be transferred to AVi8.
Phnom Penh-based AVi8 is developing a cargo operation with a mixed fleet plan: A321 freighters for regional and medium-haul routes, and A330 freighters for longer-haul services. The company is targeting air operator certificate approval in early 2027 and a commercial launch in May 2027.
Serene Air operates A330-200s alongside Boeing 737-800s and Embraer E190s. Any A330s secured through the discussions could provide AVi8 with widebody capacity for its planned long-haul network, but the agreement remains exploratory. The number and condition of aircraft potentially available, as well as conversion timing, have not been specified.