JAL begins A321 freighter conversions for April 2024 launch

Japan Airlines (JAL) has begun converting Airbus A321 aircraft into freighters for use on a domestic freighter network due to launch in April next year. Conversion of the first aircraft began on May 8 in Singapore and is expected to be completed by mid-September, said the Tokyo-headquartered airline. Another two A321s are also due for conversion. The conversions are being carried out by ST Engineering in Singapore under the management and supervision of ST Engineering’s joint venture with Airbus, Elbe Flugzeugwerke GmbH (EFW). Following the refurbishment process, the freighter will be transported on a ferry to Japan in late October. The second and third aircraft are currently parked in France, confirmed JAL. The domestic freighter network that the A321 passenger to freighter (P2F) conversions will be used on will be operated by JAL’s low-cost carrier unit, Spring Japan, in partnership with forwarder Yamato. Spring Japan will utilise the freighters to operate 21 flights a day on four key routes.