Embraer Partners With Lanzhou Aviation On P2F Conversions

Credit: Embraer

Embraer signed an agreement with Lanzhou Aviation Industry Development Group for 20 E190F and E195F passenger-to-freighter conversions (P2F).

Embraer and Lanzhou intend to cooperate on establishing an E190F and E195F conversion capability in Lanzhou, China, which will support and accelerate the introduction of E-Jet first generation freighters to the Chinese market. Embraer said the cooperation will serve as an initial starting point for both companies to leverage their strengths, jointly promote the development of Lanzhou’s air transportation industry, and boost the economy around the airport.

With this agreement, Lanzhou Group becomes the launch customer for Embraer’s P2F conversion in China, and the base in China for Embraer’s P2F conversions.

“The opportunity in China had a significant influence during the decision-making process of the launch of our P2F program,” Embraer Commercial Aviation president and CEO Arjan Meijer said. “It is a market with increasing demand for cargo aircraft to accommodate the tremendous growth of E-commerce trade and the consequent evolution of the logistics industry. We’re confident in this booming market and always willing to support the sector’s further progress in cooperation with our Chinese partners.”

Embraer launched the P2F program in March 2022, supporting the high demand for cargo and positive market trends in China. Embraer forecasts a market demand for 600 E-Jet freighters over the next 20 years. The Chinese market is forecast to need 240 freighters of this size, accounting for 34% of the global total, powered by demand from the e-commerce and logistics sectors.

Linda Blachly

Linda Blachly is Senior Associate Editor for Air Transport World and Aviation Week. She joined the company in July 2010 and is responsible for producing features for Air Transport World’s monthly magazine and engaging content for the aviationweek.com. She is based in the Washington DC office.