Big Freighter Boost for Airbus

Airbus has signed one of its largest ever deals covering the conversion of A300 and A310 aircraft to freighter configuration. The U.S.-based lessor Intrepid Aviation Partners will acquire a mix of up to 25 A300-600Rs and A310-300s, to be delivered over the next five years. The transformation from passenger to freighter aircraft will be undertaken at the EFW site in Dresden, the core conversion facility with EADS/Airbus. The first two A300-600 freighters for Intrepid will enter conversion in mid-2002 and will be redelivered by the year's end. In their new role the aircraft will be able to carry up to 48 tonnes of freight.