Hi Academia,
Some airlines like Japan Airlines and Yamato holding Co ltd (YHD) recently announced on commencement of their aircrafts conversion into cargo aircrafts or dedicated freighter to secure their stable transportation capacity and maintain as well as improve service quality on their planned new routes services.
P2C ( Passenger to Cargo ) initiative had been adopted by many airlines during covid 19. The pandemic had a significant impact on the aviation industry, resulting in a sharp decline in passenger traffic. Airlines have been forced to ground a significant portion of their passenger aircraft fleet due to low demand. However, the demand for air cargo transportation has increased significantly during the pandemic, as many countries have imposed restrictions on transportation modes such as sea and road. In response to this situation, many airlines have converted their passenger aircraft into cargo aircraft to meet the demand for air freight.
The conversion of passenger aircraft into cargo aircraft involves removing the passenger seats and making modifications to the cargo door and floor to accommodate cargo. Or else Airlines just simply keep aircraft as it is and utilize passengers’ seat to accommodate light weight cargo. This conversion process can be completed relatively quickly, with some airlines reporting turnaround times of just a few days. It is a cost-effective solution for airlines as it allows them to make use of their existing fleet rather than investing in new cargo aircraft. Moreover, it enables airlines to generate revenue from cargo operations, which can help offset the losses incurred by the decline in passenger traffic.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the conversion of passenger aircraft to cargo aircraft has been a viable solution for airlines. With the global demand for air cargo transportation reaching unprecedented levels, airlines have been able to meet this demand by converting their passenger aircraft. This has helped to ensure a steady supply of critical goods such as medical supplies, food, and other essential products. Many airlines have reported that the conversion of passenger aircraft has enabled them to operate more efficiently, as cargo operations tend to be less complex and require fewer resources than passenger operations.
Furthermore, the conversion of passenger aircraft to cargo aircraft is a sustainable solution for the aviation industry. By making use of existing aircraft, airlines can reduce their carbon footprint and minimize the environmental impact of their operations. This is particularly important as the aviation industry is under increasing pressure to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and adopt more sustainable practices.
Post-Covid, the suitability of converted passenger aircraft as cargo aircraft remains a viable solution. While the demand for air cargo transportation may decline as the pandemic subsides, air freight is still an essential component of global trade. As such, airlines will continue to require cargo aircraft to transport goods around the world. Moreover, the conversion of passenger aircraft to cargo aircraft provides airlines with flexibility and adaptability, allowing them to respond quickly to changes in demand.
Several airlines have initiated passenger to cargo aircraft conversion during the Covid-19 pandemic to meet the increased demand for air freight. Here are some examples:
- Air Canada: Air Canada converted several Boeing 777 and Airbus A330 passenger aircraft into dedicated cargo planes to transport essential goods such as medical supplies, personal protective equipment, and perishable goods.
- American Airlines: American Airlines converted some of its Boeing 777-300ER and 787-8 aircraft into cargo-only flights to transport medical supplies and other essential goods.
- Delta Air Lines: Delta Air Lines converted several Boeing 777 and Airbus A330 passenger aircraft into cargo-only flights to transport essential goods, including medical supplies, food, and other critical cargo.
- Emirates: Emirates converted several Boeing 777 passenger aircraft into cargo-only flights, with a maximum payload capacity of 100 tonnes. The airline transported a range of essential goods, including medical supplies, perishables, and other cargo.
- Lufthansa: Lufthansa converted some of its Airbus A330 and A340 passenger aircraft into cargo planes to transport essential goods.
- Qatar Airways: Qatar Airways converted some of its Boeing 777 and Airbus A350 passenger aircraft into cargo-only flights to transport medical supplies, perishables, and other essential goods.
- United Airlines: United Airlines converted some of its Boeing 777 and 787 passenger aircraft into cargo-only flights to transport critical goods, including medical supplies and personal protective equipment.
These are just a few examples of the many airlines that have initiated passenger to cargo aircraft conversion during the Covid-19 pandemic. These initiatives have helped airlines generate revenue and maintain operations while passenger demand remains low, and they have helped ensure the steady supply of essential goods around the world.
To recap those above, the conversion of passenger aircraft into cargo aircraft has been a viable solution for airlines during the Covid-19 pandemic. It has enabled airlines to meet the demand for air freight and generate revenue from cargo operations. Moreover, it is a sustainable solution that reduces the environmental impact of aviation operations. Post-Covid, the suitability of converted passenger aircraft as cargo aircraft remains a viable solution as air freight is an essential component of global trade. The conversion of passenger aircraft provides airlines with flexibility and adaptability, allowing them to respond quickly to changes.
Salam Sehat Semangat Sukses
Bambang Purnomo , SS-BA, CSCA, CAVM Solution Consultant
