Precision Aircraft Solutions (PAS) and Air Transport Services Group have formed a joint venture company to develop a passenger-to-freighter conversion for the Airbus A321-200.
The company, called 321 Precision Conversions has been set up by PAS and ATSG’s subsidiary Cargo Aircraft Management, aims to gain supplemental type certification for the conversions in 2019, and aims to fulfil both replacement and growth needs in the narrowbody freighter market.
The companies claim it will deliver similar cube space to the Boeing 757 Freighter with operating costs similar to the Boeing 737 Freighter, making it attractive for air express operators.
Precision Aircraft Solutions is a subsidiary of Erickson Group (EGL), and EGL president Steven Thomas says: “Precision’s integrated business model is capable of both the engineering and certification required for an A321-200 freighter STC, and the kitting, logistics, production and customer support functions to deliver a multiple aircraft program to all its customers.”
“This strategic alliance with ATSG for the A321-200 program underscores our complementary business models and our long history of positive business dealings over the years. We look forward to bringing this product to the market together.”
ATSG president and chief executive officer, Joe Hete says: “ATSG’s emphasis on leasing, operating, and maintaining midsize freighters has been a key to its success. Expanding our fleet to include A321-200 freighters in that segment of the market through this new partnership with Precision will supplement the shareholder value we create in the future.”
“Our decade-long relationship with Precision for 757 conversions gives me confidence that we will bring to market another high-quality, cost-effective freighter and reliable asset to a customer segment that demands very high performance.”
