COMAC announced it completed the development of the passenger-to-freighter conversion project for its ARJ21. The Chinese manufacturer announced the launch of the program at a ceremony held at its Shanghai research and development center.
The company has been showing – for years now – mock-ups and sketches of the ARJ21-700F at the air shows it attends. For the past two decades, the manufacturer has indicated that its twin-engine regional jet would have a role to play in the freighter market.
The conversion project began in May 2020 and lasted nearly three years, closing after going through the preliminary design, modification implementation, design freeze, and final design stages. Now, all that remains is the construction and the start of engineering tests, including ground tests and test flights. The final step will be the approval of the airworthiness compliance report and obtaining the supplemental type certificate (STC).
Related content: COMAC delivers its 100th ARJ21
The cargo-converted ARJ21 aims to become the leading regional air cargo market aircraft. Each plane will be able to carry a maximum commercial cargo of 10 tons and its hold will be able to accommodate various types of standard pallets (ULD). The main cargo door will be electrically powered, the aircraft will have advanced monitoring and warning, and specially designed fire suppression and air conditioning systems.
According to Cirium information, there are 88 ARJ21-700s in service. There is currently only one ARJ21-700F freighter: its operator is YTO Cargo Airlines, and it is in storage. The conversion program currently has two customers, Zhongyuan Longhao and Yuantong Aviation, which will receive the first two aircraft respectively.
