German freighter conversion specialist Elbe Flugzeugwerke GmbH (EFW) has launched operations at a new Airbus passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversion line in Istanbul, in partnership with Turkish Technic.

EFW, which is a subsidiary of ST Engineering and Airbus, performs freighter conversions on A300s, A310s, A320s, A321s and A330s.

On Oct. 30, EFW announced that its new third-party freighter conversion site in Istanbul had commenced operations, in collaboration with Part 145 and Part 21 maintenance provider Turkish Technic.

“Its first A330P2F was inducted as scheduled in October,” EFW says. “With the Istanbul site, EFW has a total of nine modifications sites carrying out its conversion programs across the globe.” EFW CEO Jordi Boto says Turkish Technic has “deep experience” of Airbus aircraft, including strong structural skills.

The A330P2F program, which covers the -200P2F and -300P2F variants, was developed together with ST Engineering and Airbus. EFW holds the supplemental type certificate and leads the program, including sales and marketing activities.

ST Engineering and EFW have set up conversion sites in Asia, the U.S., and Europe, growing their Airbus P2F capacity.