This is the first ever A321F to be operated by a Europe-based carrier. Having received its STC from the FAA in April 2021, the aircraft bearing has been prepared for delivery at Vallair’s specialist MRO & Painting facility in Montpellier, immediately following its conversion in the US. The A321F has been leased by Vallair to SmartLynx Malta, which will now operate the aircraft on behalf of DHL.
Centred around the conversion of narrow-body aircraft, Vallair has been engaged in cargo conversions for more than ten years. The company’s data confirms that the A321 freighter variant is far better for the environment because of its 15% reduction in fuel burn compared with its most direct competitor, as well as offering exceptional range, payload, and additional cost benefits. The innovative design particularly benefits from a lower cargo hold, allowing it to offer shipping of containerised cargo in addition to its normal cargo positions. From an air logistics point of view, this then makes the A321F the arguably the most attractive and cost-effective narrow-body proposition, since the ability to offer containerisation of cargo reduces turnaround times.