Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW), the joint venture between ST Engineering and Airbus, has secured a new contract to convert an A330 aircraft into a freighter for Hengqin Winglet Aircraft Technology. The deal marks the Chinese lessor’s first entry into the A330 Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F) programme with EFW, further deepening the company’s footprint in China’s booming aviation market.
The conversion work will be carried out at EFW’s partner facility in China, with modifications scheduled to begin in mid-2026. Technical planning and certification oversight will be provided by EFW’s headquarters in Dresden, Germany, ensuring the aircraft meets the rigorous standards of the A330P2F programme.
Hengqin Winglet, which specialises in aircraft leasing, trading, and technical management, sees the conversion as a strategic move to capitalise on the growing demand for modern freighters. “We are pleased to collaborate with EFW on converting our A330 aircraft into a state-of-the-art freighter,” said James Huang, CEO of Hengqin Winglet. “Their expertise in this field gives us confidence in the quality and performance of the final product.”
The contract adds to EFW’s expanding list of Chinese customers, a market that has become a major engine for global freighter demand. The rapid growth of express logistics and cross-border e-commerce in the region has driven airlines and lessors to expand and modernise their cargo fleets, making the A330P2F an increasingly attractive option.
Jordi Boto, CEO of EFW, welcomed the new partnership, highlighting the aircraft’s role in the evolving cargo landscape. “We are excited to welcome a new customer into the EFW family,” Boto said. “The A330P2F stands out as the future of the medium-sized air freighter segment, and we look forward to working with Hengqin Winglet to grow their fleet.”
With this agreement, EFW continues to strengthen its position as a leader in the conversion market, while supporting China’s logistics sector with efficient, sustainable freighter solutions tailored to modern supply chain needs.
