QANTAS FREIGHT is set to boost its narrowbody inventory in a big way. The Australian cargo carrier has outlined plans to add six Airbus A321P2Fs (passenger-to-freighter conversions) to its fleet. The jets, which are to be sourced on the open market subject to commercial negotiations, are anticipated to arrive between “early calendar year 2024 and mid-2026.” These A321P2Fs will be used to meet growing e-commerce demand across Australia.
They are expected to replace Qantas Freight’s fleet of Boeing 737 freighters (currently comprising a trio of -300Fs and a single -400F) as they near the end of their economic life. Additionally, the A321P2F can carry 23 tonnes of cargo, nine more than the Classic 737 freighters. Eventually, with Qantas Freight’s future domestic fleet set to number nine A321P2Fs in total – adding to the trio already in service, VH-ULD (c/n 835) pictured, VH-ULW (c/n 1195) and VH-ULY (c/n 1408) – and are to be complemented by an A330F currently undergoing conversion.