CF6 Engine Joins Expanded Feedstock Options for A330 P2F Conversion

CF6 Engine Expands Feedstock Options for A330 P2F Conversion

Qantas is preparing to convert two of its A330-200 aircraft into full freighters, scheduled to enter service in 2023. This marks a significant milestone as it will be the first time that General Electric’s CF6 engine powers A330 passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversions. The introduction of the CF6 engine into this segment broadens the range of engine options available to operators and lessors, a market previously dominated by Pratt & Whitney and Rolls-Royce variants.

Market Overview and Engine Distribution

Cargo conversion programs are available for both the A330-200, with its shorter fuselage, and the larger A330-300. The latter has been the preferred choice for most conversions due to its greater cargo capacity. According to Cirium data, the global A330-300 passenger fleet currently numbers 706 aircraft, including those in storage, while the A330-200 fleet comprises 513 units.

Although the CF6 was the original engine for the A330ceo when it launched in 1993, it powers only about 22% of the 1,220 A330ceos currently in service. The majority of the fleet is equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent engines, introduced in 1995, which now account for nearly two-thirds of the aircraft. Pratt & Whitney-powered A330ceos represent approximately 15% of the fleet.

To date, 13 A330P2Fs are in operation, with all but three being the larger -300 variant. Among these converted freighters, three are powered by Pratt & Whitney engines, while the remainder use Rolls-Royce powerplants. The imminent introduction of Qantas’s GE-powered A330-200s will establish General Electric as the third engine original equipment manufacturer (OEM) in the A330 cargo conversion market. Additionally, 38 factory-built A330-200F freighters are currently in service, predominantly powered by Rolls-Royce (34 aircraft) and to a lesser extent by Pratt & Whitney (four aircraft).

Conversion Providers and Market Dynamics

The A330 P2F conversion market is primarily served by two providers, EFW and IAI, who collectively hold a backlog exceeding 70 orders. The larger A330-300, particularly in its high gross weight variant introduced in 1999, is expected to remain the favored platform for future conversions due to its superior cargo volume.

Feedstock availability remains a critical challenge for the A330 P2F market. Most converted aircraft are mid-life, typically between 10 and 15 years old. Cirium data identifies over 400 passenger A330s within this age range, split roughly evenly between the -200 and -300 variants, with engine distribution reflecting the broader fleet composition. The entry of the CF6 engine into the conversion market introduces new competition and may influence market dynamics as operators consider conversion costs and engine performance when selecting feedstock.

Ascend by Cirium’s Values Review Board continues to monitor A330ceo values closely. Although the ratio of stored to in-service passenger A330ceos is gradually declining, overall utilization remains subdued. Recent market activity, including increased flying and part-out trading, has led to reductions in A330ceo Current Market Values, with adjustments varying according to age, variant, and specification. These shifts reflect evolving market conditions, particularly as rising cargo demand and P2F conversions extend the economic life of the A330ceo. The changing engine mix and intensified feedstock competition will remain key factors shaping the future trajectory of the A330 P2F market.