Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW), the Airbus-ST Engineering joint venture specializing in passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversions, has signed two A330P2F contracts in China. The first agreement, announced in February 2026, is with Hengqin Winglet Aircraft Technology for conversions at an EFW partner facility in China, starting mid-2026. Technical planning and certification will occur at EFW’s Dresden, Germany headquarters.
“As a company with extensive expertise in leasing, trading and technical aircraft management, we are pleased to collaborate with EFW on the conversion of our A330 aircraft into a state-of-the-art freighter,” said James Huang, CEO of Hengqin Winglet. EFW CEO Jordi Boto noted, “The A330P2F stands out as the future of the medium-sized air freighter segment, and we look forward to working with Hengqin Winglet to grow their A330P2F fleet.”
The second contract, signed with Hong Kong-based Asia Pacific Aviation Leasing Group (APAL), covers one Airbus A330-300. Conversion begins in Q2 2026 at a partner facility, marking APAL’s first freighter program with EFW. APAL CEO Hong Wei Zhao stated, “EFW’s proven expertise in freighter conversion is key to modernising our fleet and meeting the dynamic needs of the Chinese cargo market.” Boto added, “The Airbus A330P2F represents the future of the medium-sized freighter segment.”
These deals expand EFW’s footprint in China’s air cargo sector, fueled by express logistics and e-commerce growth. APAL, founded in 2016, operates a fleet including two A330-300s.