Airbus to convert A320/A321 jets to freighters with ST Aerospace

[PARIS] Airbus announced an agreement with Singapore-based ST Aerospace to convert aircraft from its best selling A320 family of single-aisle jets to freighters to boost the life of the planes.

"This really helps us in terms of selling new aircraft and managing residual values," Airbus Chief Operating Officer Tom Williams said at the Paris air show on Wednesday.

Airbus forecast demand for more than 600 aircraft over next 20 years to be converted in the small freighter range. The first converted A321 will be delivered in 2018.

REUTERS