Sichuan Airlines Leads the Way with China’s First A321PCF Freighter Operation

In a groundbreaking move, the parent company of Sichuan Airlines (3U, Chengdu Shuangliu) has officially taken delivery of China’s first A321-200(PCF) freighter, N1926B (msn 1926), marking a significant milestone in the country’s aviation industry. The handover ceremony took place at the Sichuan Aviation Industry Development Co facility in Chengdu on November 8, 2023, showcasing the airline’s commitment to expanding its cargo operations.

The A321-200(PCF) was converted from a former Air Macau aircraft at the state-of-the-art Sichuan Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Co. (SMECO) facility in Chengdu. Notably, Sichuan Airlines Group holds a stake in SMECO, emphasizing the collaboration that made this achievement possible. The delivery is part of a larger initiative, with SMECO set to convert an additional three A321-200s for Sichuan Aviation Industry Development Co. The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) certified SMECO’s A321-200PCF conversion program in October, paving the way for Sichuan Airlines and other Chinese carriers to operate A321s converted at the facility.

Sichuan Airlines, known for its commitment to cargo services, currently operates one A330-300(P2F) and three A330-200Fs, which constitute the airline’s dedicated freighters within its extensive fleet of 194 aircraft. The airline has expressed its intention to further expand its cargo operations and anticipates the imminent delivery of two more A330-330P2Fs. The newly acquired A321-200PCF is slated to commence revenue operations in early 2024, adding versatility to Sichuan Airlines’ cargo capabilities.

According to data from ch-aviation fleets advanced, China boasts a total of 268 freighters spread across 18 operators. Among these, Sichuan Airlines stands out with the distinction of operating four Airbus freighters, a testament to the carrier’s commitment to adopting innovative solutions in the dynamic air cargo market. As the aviation landscape evolves, Sichuan Airlines is positioned at the forefront, driving advancements in freighter technology and bolstering China’s standing in the global cargo industry.