Chinese aircraft lessor Hengqin Winglet Aircraft Technology has announced a significant milestone by signing a contract with Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW) to convert an Airbus A330 from passenger to freighter (P2F). This marks the first time that an A330P2F will be added to Hengqin Winglet's portfolio, reflecting increased demand for cargo capacity in China's expanding freight market.
EFW, a joint venture between ST Engineering and Airbus, will carry out the conversion at one of its partner facilities in China, with the scheduled induction set for mid-2026. The company, established in 2016 and based in the Hengqin Guangdong-Macao Free Trade Zone, specializes in aircraft materials, parts management, and leasing services.
Hengqin Winglet has a track record of aircraft management, having recently delivered a former SmartLynx Malta A330-300 to US-Bangla Airlines in 2025. According to ST Engineering, China's growing logistics network and cross-border e-commerce are major drivers for the increasing demand for freighter aircraft, leading to fleet expansion among operators and lessors.
With this contract, Hengqin Winglet aims to capitalize on the rising need for dedicated cargo aircraft in China's dynamic market, contributing to global aviation logistics growth and innovation.
