Aircraft Cargo Conversions
Converting passenger aircraft into a cargo aircraft gives new life to older airframes, and a better ROI (return on investment) for the aircraft owner/investor.
The process of converting a passenger aircraft into a freighter aircraft can be a daunting and time consuming experience for the airframe owners. At EEJ Aviation Consultants, we are focused on helping our clients navigate the complex world of aircraft cargo conversions while also providing guidance on best operational utilization when the aircraft is fully operational.
There are two type of aircraft conversions currently available on the market for aircraft owners/investors.
The traditional and most common type of conversion (most expensive) involves removing certain passenger cabin structures, exterior airframe modifications to install a large cargo door, as well as strengthening the cabin floor to support heavy loads. This type of conversion gives the unrestricted ability to carry all types of cargo as long the payload can fit through the large cargo door.
The second type (more economical) of conversion option that has recently come to market involves in the installation of a “Class-E” cabin with no exterior modifications of the airframe. While this type of conversion does have certain limitations, it is also a more economical option depending on the target cargo market such as e-commerce.
*Image Credit Avensis Medius E Class STC Modification
E-commerce is a rapidly expanding market place, and has huge potential for the air freight industry. The demand for point-to-point product delivery from various global marketplaces in 2022 was estimated to account for 18-20% of all air cargo shipments. This industry is forecast to grow from its 2022 valuation of $5.2 Trillion (USD) to $7.5 Trillion (USD) by 2025, and $62.5 Trillion by 2030.