Sabena technics to perform ATR freighter conversion for Cebu Pacific

The French MRO signed an agreement with Cebu Pacific Air, the Philippines-based airline, and IPR Conversions Ltd, the Large Cargo Door modification STC holder, to convert ATR 72-500 passenger aircraft into freighter aircraft.

The growth of e-commerce business worldwide generates an expand of the demand for freighter aircraft worldwide. In order to meet this demand, Cebu Pacific Air has selected IPRC and Sabena technics to convert two of its ATR 72-500 aircraft passenger into freighter aircraft.

For this new collaboration, the two aircraft from Cebu Pacific Air will be converted in Sabena technics’ dedicated facilities in Dinard (France). The French MRO company has been selected by IPRC for its recognized internal know-how on base maintenance, modification and structural repair solutions. Modifications will include the installation of both bulk-load and large cargo door, allowing standard containers and pallets.

IPR Conversions, based in Lausanne, Switzerland is one of the leading ATR freighter conversion STC providers in the world. The Swiss company has recently signed an agreement granting ATR the license to install IPR Large Cargo Door (LCD on new FedEx ATR 72-600F freighters.

Cebu Pacific Air, is a leading carrier based in Philippines. It is the only passenger airline in the Philippines with dedicated cargo planes. The airline already trusts in Sabena technics for the global Component Support Solution of its fleet of 67 aircrafts, which is one of the youngest in the world.

“We will be able to offer cargo capacity that no other carrier in the Philippines can provide. With the freighter aircraft, we will further support the growing needs of the logistics industry, especially as the Philippines’ e-commerce businesses expand rapidly and look for faster delivery schedules”

said Lance Gokongwei, President and CEO of Cebu Pacific.