The Rise of the Passenger-to-Freighter Conversion Market for Aircraft

Aerospace and Defense Review | Tuesday, July 25, 2023

The passenger-to-freighter conversions market has experienced rapid and unprecedented growth over the last three years. 

FREMONT, CA: The aviation sector was devastated in 2020 when the pandemic halted international air travel. Overnight, there was a reduction in air passenger traffic, which destroyed billions in industry earnings. The world's aviation cargo, which comprised more than 50 percent of passenger jets' cargo holds, was also negatively impacted by this sharp fall.

For the past three years, the market for passenger-to-freighter conversions has grown at an unheard-of rate. Jim Scott, the proprietor of components solutions expert Artemis Aerospace, talks about this tremendous market expansion and how PTF conversion programs are evolving to meet future needs in this article.

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The grounding of passenger planes created a significant gap in air cargo operations, which mainly relied on the extensive route networks used by passenger carriers. Freight aircraft continued to fly, though.

Yet, demand for air freight capacity did not decrease at this time. In addition to the necessity to convey crucial medical supplies and equipment, the unexpected growth of e-commerce forced logistics companies to scramble for quick fixes to sate the demands of e-consumers for prompt and effective deliveries.

Airlines swiftly adjusted in response, repurposing their passenger planes as "freighters" to lessen the severity of the losses.

Many of these "freighters" have recently resumed regular service once passenger flights resumed and travel demand increased.

Nonetheless, with global e-commerce sales predicted to increase by 10.4 percent in 2023 and 57 percent of people saying they often buy abroad, the demand for air cargo capacity is still high.

The demand for new freighter aircraft has increased, with MROs working around the clock to fill orders, while supply chain logistics diversify and adapt to meet an ever-growing list of client requirements.

The PTF market has many difficulties, and overcoming them is crucial for airlines that need flexibility in a constantly changing sector.

Avensis Aviation, a client of Artemis, is one business that has been at the forefront of inventive, sophisticated, and fast PTF solutions. Their fully reversible cargo modifications portfolio includes MEDIUS, the first and only conversion with an EASA STC certification.

MEDIUS is a fully reversible technology that converts passenger cabins into full Class-E cargo compartments. It was first introduced by Avensis's client TAP Air Portugal for its division TAP Air Cargo in September, giving airlines the flexibility to quickly adjust to market demands.

MEDIUS is unquestionably a sensible option for airlines considering aircraft leasing limits while responding to shifting demand. It is suitable for narrow and widebody aircraft types and incorporates a supernumerary cabin.

The worldwide freighter fleet is expected to increase by more than 60 percent by 2041, according to Boeing's 2022 Global Air Cargo Forecast, with the Asia-Pacific region receiving more than a third of deliveries. This offers numerous chances for airlines to strengthen their operations for the future.

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