German startup USC (Germany) (XG, Frankfurt International) [Universal Sky Carrier] will be the launch customer of Avensis Aviation's P2F cargo conversion programme for A340-300 and A340-600s, according to an announcement by the UK-based engineering and design business.
"Thrilled that USC has become the launch client for our top-of-the-range conversion solution NAVIS, for their Airbus A340-300s and A340-600s aircraft fleet," Avensis Aviation, which specialises in passenger to freighter (P2F) conversions, announced on social media.
The startup plans to enter ACMI service this summer with two passenger A340s from its base at Frankfurt Hahn, but intends to convert them into freighters later. As reported, it received its first two aircraft from South African Airways (SA, Johannesburg O.R. Tambo): an A340-300, D-AUSC (msn 646), and A340-600 D-AUSZ (msn 557). Both are parked at Frankfurt Hahn, ADS-B data shows.
According to Avensis Aviation, the Navis P2F conversion is the company's flagship product and features a "first-of-its-kind" entirely electrically operated "plug-type" main deck cargo door. This reduces maintenance complexity whilst increasing operational safety by design, making it impossible to open in-flight accidentally. The product also introduces a "separated supernumerary cabin section, a 9G rigid cargo barrier, a full Class E cargo compartment and a main deck cargo loading System (CLS)," according to company specifications.
ch-aviation has approached USC for comment.
