Airbus develops cargo solution for passenger aircraft

Airbus is developing a new modification that can turn its A330 and A350 airliners into cargo planes quickly and easily.

With the coronavirus pandemic slashing air passenger numbers, airlines are looking to carry cargo in planes that would normally carry people. Airbus, though, says its new system will enable airlines to install freight pallets directly onto the cabin floor seat tracks.

Airbus says the new system will help the airlines’ “business continuity”, as well as cutting problems with freight capacity shortages as aircraft stay grounded. The company also says the system enables faster loading than simply placing the cargo on empty seats, as well as cutting wear on the seats themselves.

Furthermore, Airbus claims the modification will provide “more robust” fire protection, while load restraints capable of withstanding nine times the force of gravity will stop pallets shifting in flight.

The new system will be packaged as an Airbus Service Bulletin (SB), which allows Airbus to manage the process for obtaining the one-time certification from the European Union Safety Agency (EASA). The SB covers the removal of the seats and in-flight entertainment screens, installation of pallets and the replacement of the original passenger cabin.

Although it is designed for use during the coronavirus pandemic, Airbus says the modification will be valid beyond the crisis, giving airlines greater flexibility in future.